Article 1. Basic
Principles of Elections to Milli Majlis of the Azerbaijan Republic

The basis of
elections (hereafter referred to as elections) to the Milli Majlis of
the Azerbaijan Republic (hereafter referred to as the Milli Majlis) are
defined by Article 83 of the Constitution of the Azerbaijan Republic.

Citizens of the
Azerbaijan Republic participate in the elections freely and voluntarily.
No one has the right to pressure a citizen of the Azerbaijan Republic to
participate or not to participate in the elections or to control his/her
choice of whom he/she votes for.

Article 2. Legislation on
Elections to Milli Majlis

The Constitution
of the Azerbaijan Republic, this law and other laws are the basis of the
legislation on elections to the Milli Majlis.

Article 3. Elections to
Milli Majlis

100 deputies of
the Milli Majlis are elected as a rule on the basis of a single
representation norm of voters in single mandate election districts (one
district – one deputy). The single representation norm of voters is
determined by dividing the total number of registered voters by 100.

25 deputies of
Milli Majlis are elected on the basis of number of proportional votes
cast for the list of candidates (hereafter referred to as candidates)
nominated by political parties and blocks of political parties in a
single multi-mandate election district.

Article 4. Suffrage of
Citizens of Azerbaijan Republic

According to
article 56 of the Constitution of the Azerbaijan Republic (hereafter
referred to as the Constitution), on election day, a citizen of the
Azerbaijan Republic, who is 18 years old, and who lives permanently, or
basically, within the territory of the relevant election district, has
the right to vote to elect a deputy to the Milli Majlis in a
single-mandate election district.

According to
article 56 of the Constitution, on the election day, citizens of the
Azerbaijan Republic who are 18 years old have the right to vote to elect
a deputy in a single multi-mandate election district.

Citizens of the
Azerbaijan Republic who are 18 years old have the right to participate:

in determination
of voting and election results;

in nomination of
candidates;

in determination
of lists of candidates;

in election
campaign;

in observation of
conduct of elections and election commission’s working processes;

in implementation
of other election actions in accordance with the rules considered by
this law and other laws.

Citizens of the
Azerbaijan Republic mentioned in article 85 of the Constitution can be
elected to be a deputy of the Milli Majlis.

Citizens of the
Azerbaijan Republic who are, or live, outside of the territory of the
Azerbaijan Republic have equal rights as other citizens of the
Azerbaijan Republic during the elections.

Article 5. Determination
of Elections to Milli Majlis

According to
articles 84.2 and 109.1 of the Constitution of the Azerbaijan Republic,
a date of new elections is determined by the President of the Azerbaijan
Republic. [The intent to hold] elections are announced at the latest 120
days prior to election day. The term of office of the newly elected
Milli Majlis commences from the first day it meets.

The Milli Majlis
is considered to be elected from the date it is formed with authorised
membership after the elections. A decision on the determination of
elections is published officially by the mass media at the latest within
five days after such a decision is made.

Article 6. Right to
Nominate a Candidate for Deputy of the Milli Majlis

Candidates for
deputy of the Milli Majlis can be nominated by the voters of the
relevant single-mandate election district or by themselves.

Candidates and
lists of candidates can be nominated by political parties and blocks of
political parties. When using the terms "political parties" and "blocks
of political parties" in this law, it means political parties and blocks
of political parties which have been registered by the Central Election
Commission (hereafter referred to as the Central Election Commission)
for participating in the election to the Milli Majlis.

Article 7. Preparation and
Conduct of Elections to the Milli Majlis by Election Commissions

Election
commissions make arrangements for the preparation and conduct of
elections. [The election commission also] provides conditions for
implementation and protection of citizens’ rights to elect and
[determines] if the rights mentioned above are followed, within the
powers defined by this law and other laws.

Election
commissions do not depend on state government and local self-government
bodies in preparation and conduct of elections within the powers defined
by this law and other laws. The abovementioned bodies and their
officials are prohibited from interfering with the election commissions’
activities. Persons who interfere or influence the election commissions’
activity will have administrative or criminal accountability.

Decisions and acts
adopted by the election commissions within their powers defined by this
law and other laws are compulsory for municipalities, candidates for
deputy, registered candidates for deputy, political parties and blocks
of political parties, officials and voters.

During the
preparation and conduct of elections, election commissions have the
right to use state automated information systems to inform voters about
the following within the powers defined by this law and other laws:

election
preparation and conduct processes;

results of
elections;

sources,
collection, completeness [of information], updating [information], the
transfer and security of information used during the preparation and
conduct of elections;

providing election
commissions with information.

Article 8. Right to
Conduct Election Campaign

The state ensures
that the citizens of the Azerbaijan Republic and political parties can
conduct a free election campaign in accordance with this law and other
laws.

Citizens of the
Azerbaijan Republic and political parties have the right:

to conduct
election campaigns in forms and through methods allowed by the law by
calling people to participate in the elections;

to encourage
people to vote for, or against, any candidate or list of candidates
registered by the Central Election Commission.

The state defines
the conditions for equal use of the mass media for election campaign
for:

registered
candidates for deputy;

candidates from
the registered list of candidates nominated by political parties and
blocks of political parties.

Article 9. Financing
Elections

The preparation
and conduct of elections are financed from the state budget.

Candidates,
registered candidates, political parties and blocks of political parties
create special election funds for financing their election campaign.

Article 10. Transparency
During the Preparation and Conduct of Elections

The preparation
and conduct of elections are held openly and transparently.

All resolutions
and other statutes on the preparation and conduct of elections adopted
by the election commissions, state government bodies, and municipalities
should be published, or citizens should be informed about these
[resolutions and other statutes] by other means.

Article 11. Prohibition of
Foreigners, Persons Without Citizenship or Foreign Legal Entities from
Participating in the Elections

Foreigners,
persons who do not have citizenship, or foreign legal entities, and
their branches and representations (hereafter referred to as legal
entities) cannot assist or obstruct nomination of candidates,
registration of candidates, or election of registered candidates.

Foreigners,
persons who do not have citizenship or foreign legal entities, who do
not follow these requirements, will be accountable as defined by this
law.

CHAPTER II
ELECTION DISTRICTS AND
VOTING STATIONS

Article 12. Formation of
Single-Mandate Election Districts

100 single-mandate
election districts are created by the Central Election Commission on the
basis of information prepared by the relevant executive authority
together with municipal bodies and submitted to the Central Election
Commission about the number of voters living and registered within the
territory of the relevant election district.

Voters who reside
outside of the Azerbaijan Republic should be registered in a
single-mandate election district. The relevant executive authority
submits information on voters who permanently live outside of the
Azerbaijan Republic or who are abroad for a business trip for a
long-term period and who are registered by the relevant diplomatic
representation and consular offices of the Azerbaijan Republic to the
Central Election Commission. Based on this information, the Central
Election Commission approves the list of single-mandate election
districts for preparing the voters lists of abovementioned persons. The
number of voters of a single-mandate election district, where voters who
reside outside of the Azerbaijan Republic have been registered, must be
less than the single representation norm of voters. The number of voters
who live outside of the Azerbaijan Republic and who have been registered
in a single-mandate election district must not exceed the number of
voters registered by each single-mandate election district by more than
5%.

Single-mandate
election districts should be formed by following the requirements
mentioned below:

The number of
voters registered in the single-mandate election districts should be
approximately equal, with a condition not to exceed the average
representation norm by more than 5%; in remote districts by not more
(less) than 10%; within the borders of administrative territorial
unit of the Azerbaijan Republic;

it is
prohibited to create a single-mandate election district in the
administrative territorial units which do not have boundaries
between them.

The necessity of
not crossing borders of municipalities should be taken into account when
following the requirements on the creation of single-mandate election
districts are mentioned in the 3rd paragraph of this article.

The Central
Election Commission should approve the plan for creation of
single-mandate election districts and [create a map describing] based on
information [about] the electorate at least 110 days prior to the
election. The scheme of creation of single-mandate districts should
contain the following:

The name and
number of each single-mandate district;

The list of
administrative-territorial units included in each single-mandate
election district or list of municipalities in cities; districts;
districts in the cities (if a single mandate district includes a
part of the territory of this administrative territorial unit;
municipality or settlement then borders of the administrative
territorial unit; municipality and settlement, should be shown in
the scheme. If one single-mandate election district is created
within the territory of one administrative-territorial unit, then a
list of municipalities within the same single-mandate election
district is not included in the scheme of creation of a
single-mandate election district);

The centre of
each single-mandate election district;

The number of
voters registered by each single-mandate election district, number
of voters registered by each municipality which is included in the
election district if more than one election district is created
within an administrative-territorial unit;

The number of
voters registered in the single-mandate election district in
accordance with the 2nd paragraph of this article
recording the foreign countries where overseas voters reside.

State automated
information systems can be used when creating single-mandate election
districts and defining their scheme.

The scheme of
single-mandate election district must be published at least 105 days
prior to Election Day.

Article 13. Single
Multi-Mandate Election District

Single
multi-mandate election districts, where deputies should be elected on
the basis of the proportional number of votes cast in accordance with
the list of candidates nominated by the political parties and block of
political parties, cover all the territory of the Azerbaijan Republic.

According to
article 12.2. of this law, voters who have been registered in the
single-mandate election district are considered to be registered in the
single multi-mandate election district as well.

Article 14. Formation of
Precincts

Precincts are
created for conduct of voting and for count of votes, taking into
account the number of voters registered within the territory of a
municipality.

Precincts are
created at least 50 days prior to election day by the relevant
Territorial Election Commissions, with the agreement of the heads of
relevant executive authority and of the municipality, taking into
account creating the maximum convenience for voters, local and other
situations.

Precincts are
established in accordance with the following:

not more than
1500 voters should be registered within each precinct;

borders of
precincts must not extend beyond the borders of an election
district.

Precincts are
formed in accordance with the rules defined by the Central Election
Commission in the places where voters are temporarily located
(hospitals, sanatoriums, rest homes etc.); in remote districts; on ships
which sail on election day within the period considered by article 2 of
this law; in exceptional cases defined by the Central Election
Commission, at least five days prior to election day. Such precincts are
included in the single-mandate election district within the territory of
which they are located or where the ship is registered.

Military officers
vote in the regular precincts. Only in exceptional cases defined by the
Central Election Commission can precincts be established in the military
units, which are outside of the settlement. Rules for transporting
citizens of the Azerbaijan Republic, who are in a real military service,
are defined by the Central Election Commission. In such cases, precincts
are established within the period considered by the 2nd
paragraph of this article, in exceptional cases five days prior to the
election day in accordance with the decision of the relevant Territorial
Election Commission by the commanders of the military units. All members
of the precinct or superior election commissions, registered candidates
and their representatives, authorised representatives of political
parties and blocks of political parties and observers should have free
access to the working rooms of the election commissions and voting
rooms.

Precincts for the
organization of voting by out of country voters and for those vote
counts are created by the head of diplomatic representation or by the
head of the consular office of the Azerbaijan Republic within the
territories where voters live, at least 30 days prior to the election
day. In such cases, requirements of the article 3.1. of this law are
used for determination of the number of voters registered.

Lists of
precincts, with numbers and borders shown (if a precinct covers a part
of a settlement populated); lists of settlements (if a precinct is
established in several settlements); information about the location of
Precinct Election Commission and voting rooms and telephone numbers of
the Precinct Election Commissions are published by the Territorial
Election Commissions at least 45 days prior to election day. Information
about precincts established within the period mentioned by the 4th
and 5th paragraphs of this article are published at latest
within two days after they have been established.

Issues on
publishing the information on precincts (mentioned in paragraph 7 of
this article) established outside of the Azerbaijan Republic are solved
by the diplomatic representation or head of the consular office of the
Azerbaijan Republic, taking into account local situations.

CHAPTER III
VOTERS LISTS

Article 15. Compilation of
Voters Lists

A relevant
Precinct Election Commission approves lists of voters for a precinct in
accordance with the format defined by the Central Election Commission at
least 35 days prior to Election Day.

Voters lists
include information on voters provided by the relevant executive
authorities, heads of the municipalities, commander of a military units
as well as by a heads of the offices where voters are located
temporarily.

Voters lists of
the precincts established in remote districts are approved by the
Precinct Election Commission on the basis of information on voters
provided by the relevant executive authority or head of the municipality
at least 25 days prior to election day--in exceptional cases two days
after the Precinct Election Commission has been formed.

Voters lists
(military persons within a military unit, military persons’ family
members who live within the territory of the military unit and other
voters) for the precincts established within the territories of the
military units are approved by the Precinct Election Commission on the
basis of information on voters provided by the commanders of military
units at least twenty five days prior to election day.

Lists of voters
located temporarily in sanatoriums, hospitals, rest homes and other
places, or on a ship which sails on election day are approved by the
relevant Precinct Election Commission on the basis of information on
voters provided by the heads of the offices where voters are located
temporarily, or by the captain of the ship, at least five days prior to
election day.

The voters list
for an election precinct created outside of the Azerbaijan Republic is
approved by the relevant Precinct Election Commission on the basis of
information on voters provided by the diplomatic representation or head
of the consular office of the Azerbaijan Republic, at least twenty five
days prior to election day.

Officials
mentioned in paragraphs 2-6 of this current article collect and correct
information on voters in accordance with the rules defined by the
Central Election Commission and then submit this information to the
Precinct Election Commission at least 35 days prior to election day, if
no other rule is mentioned in this law.

The voters lists
are prepared in two copies. Information on the voters who have been
included in the voters lists should be alphabetical or in other order
(according to settlements, streets, buildings, apartments etc.). The
voters list contains the voter’s first name, surname, father’s name,
year of birth (for voters 18 years old – date and month of birth),
permanent address or address of a place where he/she mostly lives.

State automated
information systems can be used when preparing the voters list. The
voters lists are typed by typing machine; only in exceptional cases
defined by the Central Election Commission, they are written by hand.

The first copy of
the voters list prepared in accordance with the paragraph 2 of current
article is preserved by the Precinct Election Commission. The second
copy is transferred to the Territorial Election Commission at least 25
days prior to Election Day and it is used in accordance with the rules
defined by the Central Election Commission. The voters list for the
election district is verified (with signature and stamp) by the
chairperson and secretary of the Territorial Election Commission.

The voters list
for the election precincts created in accordance with article 14.4.
-14.6 is verified with signatures of the chairperson and secretary of
the Precinct Election Commission and with a stamp of the commission.

The Precinct
Election Commissions, after they approve the voters lists, examine and
consider the changes to be made on the voters list from the requests of
voters or changes necessary to be made, in accordance with the article
17 of this law, as well as on the basis of relevant documents provided
by the officials, municipalities, marriage registration office, and
bodies which register citizens’ addresses and living places.

A person who
provides information on voters is responsible for the accuracy,
completeness and timely provision, in accordance with the rules defined
by the legislation.

Article 16. Rules for
Citizens’ Inclusion In and Exclusion from Voters List

All citizens of
the Azerbaijan Republic who are eligible to vote are included in the
voters list.

The residence of a
voter, or the fact that a voter is residing permanently or mostly within
the territory of the relevant election precinct, defined by the body
which registers residence is sufficient basis for including the voter on
the voters list for that precinct.

Military officers
who reside outside of the military unit are included in the voters list
for their district of residence on a common basis. The basis for
inclusion of military officers in a military unit, in addition to their
families and other voters who reside within the territory of the
military unit, in the voters list, is based on their permanently or
mostly residing (in the military unit), as defined by the bodies which
register the citizens of the Azerbaijan Republic in accordance with
their place of residence, or by order of the commander of a military
unit on inclusion of military person in the military staff.

The fact that a
person is residing outside the Azerbaijan Republic permanently or
mostly; or the fact that a voter is on a long-term business trip abroad,
as determined by the diplomatic representation or head of the consular
office of the Azerbaijan Republic, is the basis for including overseas
voters, or those who are on a long-term business trip, on the voters
list.

Voters who are in
hospitals, sanatoriums, rest homes and other temporary places are
included on the voters list on the basis of a de-registration card for
voting and an ID or other substitute document.

16.6. Citizens of the
Azerbaijan Republic who are eligible to vote and who are abroad due to an
invitation, business or official trip or tourism, are included on the voters
list on the basis of their ID or a substitute document and de-registration card
for voting, which they submit when coming to the election commission room.

Voters who reside
within the territory of the election precinct or voters who have not
been included on the voters list for any reason, after the voters list
has been submitted for public display, are included on the voters list
by the Precinct Election Commission on the basis of an ID or other
substitute document. If necessary, other documents which confirm that
the voter lives mainly within the territory of that election precinct
may be required.

A voter can be
included in the voters list for one precinct only.

A voter can be
excluded from the voters list on the basis of official documents, as
well as of a de-registration card for voting provided to the voter for
voting in accordance with the rules defined by this law, after voters
lists are approved. In such cases, the date and reason for exclusion of
voters from the voters list should be recorded in the voters list. This
fact is verified (with signature) by the chairperson and secretaries of
the Precinct Election Commission. When issuing a de-registration card
for voting, it should be verified (with signature) by the commission
members who have issued it.

It is prohibited
to make any changes to the voters list after voting has finished.

Article 17. Public Display
of Voters Lists

The Precinct
Election Commission submits the voters list for public display or for
verification, by informing the voters, at least twenty-five days prior
to Election Day. It creates convenient conditions for this. The voter’s
list must be displayed outside the voting room, on boards, in a
convenient place for voters to have access to it.

A citizen of the
Azerbaijan Republic who is eligible to vote has the right to inform the
relevant election commission if he/she is not included in the voters
list, and about errors or mistakes he/she has found in the voters list.
The Precinct Election Commission must check the information provided
within one day from when it is received; on Election Day – immediately.
Before the termination of voting, the Precinct Election Commission must
examine the appeal and documents presented, correct errors and mistakes
or must provide a written rejection of the appeal for revision (with
reasons) to the voter.

A complaint about
a decision of the Precinct Election Commission on citizens’ inclusion
in, or exclusion from, the voters list can be filed with the superior
election commission or to the court within the territory of which the
Precinct Election Commission is located. Such complaints should be
investigated within three days. [However] complaints must be solved
immediately if:

there are only three
days remaining to the Election Day, or

the complaint is filed
on the Election Day

If the decision is in
favour of the claimant’s application, this decision must be implemented
immediately by the Precinct Election Commission. The court has the final
decision.

CHAPTER IV
ELECTION COMMISSIONS

Article 18. System and
Status of Election Commission for the Elections to Milli Majlis

The following
bodies prepare and conduct elections:

Central
Election Commission;

Territorial
Election Commissions;

Precinct
Election Commissions.

Powers and rules
for functioning of the election commissions for elections to the Milli
Majlis are defined by this and other laws.

Decisions made by
superior election commissions within their powers are compulsory for
subordinate election commissions.

Election
commissions must examine information on violations of the law during the
election processes within their powers; investigate this information and
respond prior to Election Day or next day after Election Day. If facts
mentioned in the requests require additional investigations, a relevant
decision on these facts must be made not later than ten days from their
receipt. Election commissions can request legal enforcement bodies to
prevent violations of the election law and to hold relevant
investigations. Law enforcement bodies must take necessary measures in
accordance with the rules defined by the law within five days, or if one
day prior to the Election Day, on the Election Day or the next day after
the Election Day. If matters mentioned in the request need additional
investigations, this period can be prolonged for ten days.

Election
commissions must inform voters about periods and rules for
implementation of election actions, candidates and registered
candidates, political parties and blocks of political parties.

Election
commissions decisions that are in breach of this law or exceed their
powers can be overturned by the superior election commission or by the
court. In such cases superior election commissions can make a decision
on the essence of the point.

State bodies,
organizations, and municipalities as well as their officials must:

provide the
election commissions with transport and communication, equipment,
information and materials;

answer their
requests within five days; if there are less than five days left to the
Election Day prior to Election Day, immediately on the Election Day.

TV, radio companies and
periodicals mentioned in article 52.1 of this law should allocate airtime and
pages in the periodicals for publishing necessary materials of the election
commissions and to inform voters, in accordance with the rules defined by this
law and other laws. Expenses of TV, radio companies and periodicals are paid
from the relevant funds of the state budget. Organizations which are not
mentioned in this paragraph, as well as TV, radio companies and periodicals, and
their officials must:

provide the
election commissions with necessary information and materials;

answer the
requests of the election commission within five days; if there are less
than five days left to the Election Day - prior to Election Day,
immediately - on the Election Day.

Article 19. Formation of
Territorial Election Commission

A Territorial
Election Commission is formed by the Central Election Commission at
least 90 days before Election Day comprising 9 members.

Members of the
Territorial Election Commission are appointed by the Central Election
Commission. Three members of the Territorial Election Commission are
nominated by CEC members who represent the political party that has the
majority of deputies in the Milli Majlis who have been elected from the
single multi-mandate election district. Another three members are
nominated by the CEC members who represent the political parties, which
have minority of deputies in the Milli Majlis who have been elected from
the single multi-mandate election district. The other three members are
nominated by the Central Election Commission members who represent
non-partisan deputies in the Milli Majlis. Local branches of political
parties can nominate their candidates for membership of the Territorial
Election Commission to the CEC members who represent the relevant
political party. Two candidates nominated by the Central Election
Commission members who represent non-partisan deputies in the Milli
Majlis will be agreed by the interested parties: one candidate – with
the CEC members who represent the political party which has a majority
of deputies in Milli Majlis who have been elected from the single
multi-mandate election district, and one candidate – with CEC members
who represent the political parties which have the minority of deputies
in the Milli Majlis who have been elected from the single multi-mandate
election district. If members who represent a political party do not
nominate its candidate to the member of the Territorial Election
Commission 95 days prior to election day, that candidate will be
nominated by non partisan deputies.

The Chairperson
and secretaries of the Territorial Election Commission are selected in
accordance with the rules mentioned in article 3 of the law "On the
Central Election Commission". Members of Territorial Election
Commissions are issued relevant cards by the Central Election
Commission.

Article 20. Formation of
Precinct Election Commissions

Precinct Election
Commissions, comprised of six members, are formed by the relevant
Territorial Election Commission, at least 40 days prior to Election Day.

20.2. Members of the
Precinct Election Commission are appointed by the Territorial Election
Commission. Two members of the Precinct Election Commission are nominated by the
Territorial Election Commission members, who represent the political party which
has a majority of deputies in the Milli Majlis who have been elected from the
single multi-mandate election district. Another two members are nominated by the
Territorial Election Commission members who represent the political parties that
have a minority of deputies in the Milli Majlis who have been elected from the
multi-mandate election district. The other two members are nominated by the
Territorial Election Commission members who represent non-partisan deputies in
the Milli Majlis. Candidates for member of the Precinct Election Commission to
be represented by political parties will be nominated by the local branches of
political parties that are represented in the Territorial Election Commission.
Candidates for membership of the Precinct Election Commission to be represented
by non-partisan deputies of the Milli Majlis will be nominated by the initiative
groups of voters. These candidates should be citizens of the Azerbaijan Republic
who reside within the territory of the relevant election district permanently or
mostly. If a local branch of a political party does not nominate its candidate
to membership of the Precinct Election Commission at least 45 days prior to
Election Day, that candidate will be nominated by the Territorial Election
Commission members who represent non partisan deputies.

The chairperson
and secretaries of the Precinct Election Commission are selected at its
first meeting in accordance with the rules mentioned in article 3 of the
law "On Central Election Commission".

In the precincts
created on the ships that sail under the flag of the Azerbaijan
Republic, the Precinct Election Commissions are not formed and the
captain of the ship assumes the powers of the commission in accordance
with the rules defined by this law.

Powers of the
Precinct Election Commissions created outside of the Azerbaijan Republic
are assumed by the diplomatic representation or head of the consular
office in accordance with the rules defined by this law.

Precinct Election
Commission members are issued relevant cards in accordance with the
rules defined by the Central Election Commission.

Each registered
candidate, political party, blocks of political parties and initiative
group of voters have the right to appoint an observer to the election
precincts from the time voting commences and until the commission has
finalized the voting results documents for the election.

Article 21. Appointing a
Member with a Consultative Voting Right to the Election Commission

Political parties
and blocks of political parties which have registered their list of
candidates at the Central Election Commission can appoint a member with
a consultative voting right to each Territorial and Precinct Election
Commissions.

A candidate
registered by the single-mandate election district can appoint a member
with a consultative voting right to the Territorial Election Commission
of the same election district. Also, he/she can appoint a member to each
Precinct Election Commission of the election district.

Political parties
and blocks of political parties, which have nominated a registered
candidate (except in the case mentioned in paragraph 1 of this article)
can appoint a member with a consultative voting right to the Territorial
Election Commission and a member with consultative voting right to each
Precinct Election Commission of that territory.

A commission
member with a consultative voting right will be issued an official card
by the Central Election Commission.

Article 22. Status of
Election Commission Member

The following
persons cannot be a member of an election commission with a decisive
voting right:

elected members or
officials of executive authorities of state or municipalities;

judges,
prosecutors;

candidates for
deputy;

registered
candidates;

authorised
representatives or agents of registered candidates, political parties
and blocks of political parties;

By ‘direct
dependent’ this law considers official relations between supervisor and
subordinate, including supervisor’s instructing powers upon the
subordinate. It means that the supervisor has the right to employ, to
dismiss the subordinate, to give instructions, orders that are to be
implemented by the subordinate, to reward and to take disciplinary
measures about him/her.

A member of one
election commission with a decisive or consultative voting right cannot
be a member of another election commission with a decisive or
consultative voting right.

Powers of members
of election commission with a decisive voting right are finished when
powers of the same election commission finish; except for members of the
Central Election Commission.

The appointment of
an election commission member with a decisive voting right can be
terminated by an appropriate resolution of the relevant election
commission, before the end of his/her term of office, within one month,
but during the preparation and conduct of elections within three days,
in the following circumstances:

if he/she
provides a written notice of resignation;

in case of
circumstances mentioned in paragraphs 1 and 3 of this article;

Powers of the
election commission member with a decisive voting right can be
terminated immediately in the following circumstances:

if he/she is
no longer a citizen of the Azerbaijan Republic;

if he/she is
officially sentenced by the court;

if he/she is
subject to an official resolution of the court regarding disability,
mental incapacity, death or disappearance;

if he/she
dies;

if the court
approves that an election commission member does not perform his/her
duties regularly.

A new member (to
replace the one who has been dismissed from membership of the election
commission due to abovementioned reasons and who has a decisive voting
right) is appointed not later than a month. However, the during
preparation and conduct of elections - at latest within a 10 day period
after a previous one has been dismissed.

Chairpersons,
deputy chairperson, secretaries and members of the election commissions
are accountable for violation of this law in accordance with the
legislation of the Azerbaijan Republic defined for officials.

22.9. An election
commission member with a decisive voting right cannot be indicted for a crime or
be subjected to administrative penalties determined by a court, without
permission of the relevant prosecutor during the preparation and conduct of
elections.

An election
commission member with a decisive voting right, during his/her term of
office, and a commission member with a consultative voting right during
the period the election commission is functioning, cannot be transferred
to another position on the initiative of their employers without their
own agreement.

A commission
member with a consultative voting right has rights equal to the members
with decisive voting right except for the following:

to issue ballot
papers and de-registration card for voting;

to count ballot
papers;

to cancel ballot
papers and de-registration card for voting;

to complete
protocols on results and returns of elections;

to vote while
making a decision on the issues which are within the powers of the
election commission;

to sign a decision
of a relevant election commission.

Election
commission members with a decisive voting right and consultative voting
right :

are informed
in time about the meetings of the relevant election commission;

propose
motions on issues within the powers of the commission, deliver
speeches in the meeting of the commission and demand a vote on these
issues;

can question
other participants of the election commission meeting about the
issues on agenda and receive answers;

can become
familiarized with each document and material (including voters
lists, ballot papers), with materials of subordinate election
commissions, can obtain copies of those materials and documents
(except voters list, signature sheets, ballot papers and voters
cards), can become familiarized with documents and materials which
are not considered to be commercial or otherwise secret.

can file
complaints to the superior election commissions or court about the
decision and actions (lack of actions) of the election commission.

The term of office
of a commission member with a consultative voting right is in effect
until the registration of candidates (list of candidates) for the next
elections is finished if:

a registered
candidate who appointed him/her has been elected or;

candidates
nominated by political parties and blocks of political parties
participate in distribution of deputy mandates.

The term of office of
other election commission members with a consultative voting right is finished
30 days after general results of the election are officially published. But if a
superior election commission receives complaints about the decisions, actions
(lack of actions) of subordinate election commission, if rules for voting or
vote count have been violated, if a court is investigating these facts, their
term of office is terminated after the superior election commission or court
makes a decision on these complaints.

The term of office
of a commission member who has a consultative voting right can be
terminated by a decision of the candidate or body which appointed
him/her before the end of his/her term of office or it can be
transferred to another person.

Article 23. Power of
Central Election Commission During Elections to Milli Majlis

23.1. The
Central Election Commission of the Azerbaijan Republic implements
the powers considered under the law "On Central Election Commission"
and this law.

Article 24. Powers of
Territorial Election Commission

The Territorial
Election Commission has the following powers:

controls
whether voting rights of citizens of the Azerbaijan Republic are
followed within the territory of an election district;

creates
conditions and requirements for all candidates, registered
candidates, political parties and blocks of political parties to
conduct their election campaign, defined by this and other laws;

ensures equal
usage of the state automated information system within its
territory;

transfers
de-registration cards for voting, election cards and other election
documents to the Precinct Election Commissions;

distributes
funding allocated for preparation and conduct of elections amongst
the Precinct Election Commissions, controls expenditure for election
purposes and expenditure of election funds of candidates, registered
candidates, political parties and blocks of political parties;

names the
Precinct Election Commission within its territory and numbers the
voting stations in accordance with single rules;

preserves and
transfers to archives the election documents according to the rules
approved by the Central Election Commission;

receives
information on the preparation and conduct of elections provided by
relevant executive authorities and municipalities;

informs the
voters about the periods and rules for implementation of election
actions during the elections;

coordinates
the activity of Precinct Election Commissions, examines complaints
received about the decisions or actions (lack of actions) of these
commissions and their officials, and makes substantiated decisions
on these complaints;

registers
candidates nominated for a single-mandate election district and
their agents, issues them cards in a defined format;

ensures that
requirements for election campaigning, defined by this and other
laws, for all candidates, registered candidates, political parties
and blocks of political parties are followed within its territory;

determines the
returns of elections in single-mandate and results of voting in
single multi-mandate election districts; informs the Central
Election Commission about election results for single-mandate and
single multi-mandate election districts; summarizes and publishes
general information from the protocols of the Precinct Election
Commissions according to the rules defined by this law;

controls if
Precinct Election Commissions are provided with rooms,
transportation and communication, if relevant decisions on
material-technical support are performed;

conducts
repeat and additional elections;

performs other
duties according to this law.

According to this
law, the term of office of the Territorial Election Commission for
elections to the Milli Majlis is finished when a new Territorial
Election Commission formed for new elections to the Milli Majlis meets
for the first time.

The activity of
the Territorial Election Commission is finished 15 days after general
results of elections are published by the Central Election Commission,
if complaints on decisions (actions, omissions) of these commissions
have been received, rules for voting and vote count have been violated
and if all these facts are not being investigated by court. If a
complaint on results of voting has been filed, activity of the
Territorial Election Commission are terminated after the Central
Election Commission or court makes an appropriate decision.

Article 25. Powers of
Precinct Election Commission

The Precinct
Election Commission has the following powers:

informs the
public about the address of the Precinct Election Commission, its
telephone number, business hours, and also about date of voting and
voting station location;

approves and
verifies the voters lists, displays this list for voters
information; examines applications about mistakes and errors on the
voters list and makes relevant changes;

ensures
preparation of the place for voting, ballot box and other equipment;

informs the
voters about the list of registered candidates and candidates
provided by the superior election commission;

controls
compliance with the rules for election campaigning within the
territory of electoral precinct;

issues a
de-registration card for voting;

organizes
voting on election day at the election precinct;

determines the
voting results for the electoral precinct, counts votes and presents
protocols on voting results to the Territorial Election Commission;

examines
complaints on violation of this law within its powers and makes
appropriate decision on it;

ensures
preservation of documents on the preparation and conduct of election
and transfers [these documents] relevant rules, in accordance with
the rules defined by the Central Election Commission;

performs other
duties according to this law.

If complaints
about decisions (actions, omissions) of these commissions have been
received, rules for voting and vote count have been violated and if all
these facts are not being investigated by the court, functions of the
Precinct Election Commission are finished ten days after general results
of elections are published by the Central Election Commission. If a
complaint on results of voting has been filed, functions of Precinct
Election Commission are terminated after the superior election
commission or court makes an appropriate decision.

Article 26. Transparency
in the Activity of the Election Commissions

Members of
election commissions, candidates registered in a single mandate
election district or candidates registered on a single list or their
authorised representatives or agents, authorised representatives or
agents of political parties and blocks of political parties have the
following rights:

to be present in
the meetings of any election commission as well as during the count of
votes;

to be present
during all relevant operations-- processing ballot papers, voters lists,
de-registration cards for voting, protocols on voting results, protocols
on election results in the Precinct and Territorial Election Commissions
and to become familiarized with the documents mentioned above;

to obtain copies
of the decisions of the Territorial and Precinct Election Commissions
and other election documents (except copies of voters lists,
de-registration cards for voting, ballot papers, signature papers);

to observe other
election processes.

Persons mentioned above do
not require any additional permission of the election commission for attendance
in the meetings of relevant commissions or for becoming familiarized with the
abovementioned documents. A relevant election commission ensures access of
abovementioned persons to the locations where election documents are being
processed and votes are being counted. Representatives of the mass media have
the right to be present in the meetings of election commissions, in the
processing of abovementioned election documents and counting of votes. Only
[long-term] observers, who have been registered by the Central Election
Commission in accordance with the rules defined by the Central Election
Commission and who have specific permission, have the right to be present in the
meetings of the election commissions up to the day of election. A registration
card issued by the Central Election Commission should contain the numbers of the
Territorial and Precinct Election Commissions that are allowed to be observed.

The relevant
election commission informs the following about the time of processing
election documents and election commission meetings in accordance with
the rules considered by the article 28.15-16 of this law:

superior election
commissions;

each candidate
registered for single-mandate election district and authorised
representatives;

agents of
political parties and blocks of political parties, which have registered
their candidates.

Representatives of
interested parties have the right to be present in the election
commission while it is investigating relevant complaints.

Election
commissions inform each registered candidate and the public about the
following:

biographies of
registered candidates;

results of
registrations;

list of
candidates;

other information
about the candidates received by the election commissions;

Persons mentioned
in the first paragraph of this article, as well as observers and
international observers, can observe all processes implemented within
the electoral precinct, from time the Precinct Election Commission
commences work and seals the ballot boxes on election day, until
information on receipt of protocols on voting results has been provided
by the superior election commission, as well as the recount of votes.

Observers, as well
as international observers, representatives of mass media can observe
determination of voting results and final results of elections,
completing protocols on voting results and final results of elections,
as well as the recount of votes in other election commissions.

All election
commission members, persons mentioned in the first paragraph of this
article and observers should be ensured access to voting rooms of the
electoral precincts established in military units, hospitals,
sanatoriums, rest houses, isolation areas, and other places where people
are located temporarily.

Candidates
registered for a single-mandate election district, each of the political
parties and blocks of political parties with a single list of candidates
which have been registered, can appoint an observer to the relevant
Precinct Election Commission to observe the process in the voting room
on election day or during the voting conducted before election day,
within the period mentioned in the paragraph 5 of this article.

Observers should
have a written document containing his/her surname, name, father’s name,
address, number of election commission and voting station he/she is
assigned to, as well as a written document approved by the candidate
whose interests the observer represents and who has been registered for
a single-mandate election district, political parties, and block of
political parties. This document is valid only if it is supported by a
passport or other substitute document. Precincts do not have to be
advised in advance of observer’s visits.

Documents
mentioned in paragraph 9 of this article can be submitted to the
relevant election commission any time starting from when a relevant
election commission has its first meeting, until the time protocols are
prepared on voting results and on final returns of elections, including
results of the recount of votes [if it was necessary to do so].

[Domestic]
observers as well as international observers have the following rights:

to become
familiar with voters lists;

to be present
in the voting room of the electoral precinct any time within the
period mentioned in the paragraph 5 of this article;

to observe the
issuance of ballot papers to voters;

to observe
voting using a mobile ballot box;

to observe the
vote count: counting of valid ballot papers and canceled ballot
papers; to observe the counting of votes from the defined distance
in a condition which allows them to observe the process; to look
through the marked and unmarked ballot papers during the counting of
votes; to become familiar with the documents mentioned in the
paragraph 4 of this article, protocols of the election commissions
on voting results and election results and other documents;

to give
comments and suggestions about the organization of voting to the
chairperson of the Precinct Election Commission, if he/she is not
available, to a person who assumes the chairperson’s powers;

to make a copy
and obtain copies of protocols on voting results and final election
results, documents prepared by the election commissions or attached
documents received by the election commissions within the period
mentioned in paragraph 5 of this article; to become familiar with
the list of voters who have voted; election commission should verify
copies of the abovementioned documents at the request of an observer
or provide the observer with verified copies of the abovementioned
documents immediately;

to file
complaints about actions (lack of actions) or decisions of Precinct
Election Commissions or other election commissions directly with
superior election commissions or the court;

to be present
during the recount of voters’ ballots in the relevant election
commissions.

The observer is
prohibited:

to issue
ballot papers to voters;

to sign on
receipt of a ballot paper on behalf of a voter who requests it;

to mark a
ballot paper on behalf of a voters who requests it;

to participate
directly in the counting of ballot papers together with the
commission members with decisive voting right ;

to obstruct
the work of an election commission;

to conduct
election campaigning among the voters;

to participate
in making decisions by the relevant election commission.

Representatives of
the mass media can become familiar with the protocols on voting results
and final election results of all election commissions, obtain and make
a copy of the relevant election commissions’ decisions, protocols and
other documents attached to them. The election commission should approve
the copies of decisions, protocols on voting results and on election
results on the request of the representatives of the mass media.

The Chairperson or
a person who assumes his/her powers, commission members with a decisive
voting right has relevant powers, or a secretary can verify copies of
protocols and other documents of election commissions. In such cases the
abovementioned person first records "matches with original" on a copy,
then signs it, stamps it with a stamp of the election commission and
puts date of verification.

Commission members
with a consultative voting right, observers, representatives of the mass
media and other persons mentioned in paragraphs 1 of this article who
are present during voting and counting of votes should have signs which
do not campaign and which show the status of representation. Samples of
such signs should be issued by the Central Election Commission.

Article 27. International
(foreign) observers

International
(foreign) observers (hereafter referred to as international observers)
receive relevant permission to come to the Azerbaijan Republic in
accordance with the rules defined by the law or with an invitation. They
are registered by the Central Election Commission.

The Milli Majlis,
relevant executive authorities and the Central Election Commission can
invite them after a decision on determination of elections has been
officially published.

International,
government and non-government organizations, which have a relevant
reputation in the field of protection of human and civil rights and
freedom can propose motions on inviting international observers.

The Central
Election Commission issues a specific card to the international observer
based on the document submitted by him/her. This card allows the
international observer to function in accordance with article 26 of this
law during the preparation and conduct of elections.

Functions of
international observers are regulated by this and other laws.

The term of office
of international observers commences from the time they are registered
by the Central Election Commission and finishes on the day general
results of the elections are officially published.

The international
observer functions independently and freely, his/her activity is
financed by the organisation which sends him/her or from the
international observer’s personal funds.

International
observers are under the security of the government while they are within
the territory of the Azerbaijan Republic. Election commissions, state
government bodies, and municipalities are to render necessary assistance
to them.

International
observers can conduct press conferences on election legislation, about
the preparation and conduct of elections and make statements to the mass
media after Election Day.

International
observers have the right to meet with candidates, registered candidates,
authorised representatives of political parties, blocks of political
parties, agents of registered representatives, political parties, and
blocks of political parties.

International
observers cannot use their status for activities not related to election
campaigning, preparation for and conduct of elections.

The Central
Election Commission can cancel the registration of the international
observer if the latter violates laws and international legal standards.

Article 28. Organization
of the Functions of Election Commissions

Election
commissions function in a collegial form.

A relevant
election commission conducts its first meeting not later than five days
after its commission members with a decisive voting right have been
appointed.

The chairperson,
deputy chairperson and secretary of the election commission are elected
in an open ballot, at its first meeting among the members with a
decisive voting right.

Meetings of the
election commissions are called with a request of the chairperson,
deputy chairperson (with a request of chairperson), as well as by one
third of commission members with a decisive voting right.

An election
commission member with a decisive voting right is to participate in all
meetings of the election commission.

Meetings of
election commissions are valid if attended by two thirds of commission
members with a decisive voting right.

Decisions of the
election commissions are made by a majority of votes of 2/3 of all
election commission members with a decisive voting right who participate
in meetings of the election commission. Decisions of the Territorial
Election Commission are adopted with a:

majority of votes of
at least six members if a meeting is attended by nine or eight members;

majority of votes of
at least five members if a meeting is attended by seven members;

majority of votes of
at least four members if a meeting is attended by six members.

Decisions of the Precinct
Election Commission are adopted with:

majority of votes of
at least four members if a meeting is attended by six or five members;

majority of votes of
at least three members if a meeting is attended by four members.

Decisions of the
election commission cannot be made by a majority of votes of election
commission members with decisive voting rights who are present at the
meeting of the election commission [unless there is a quorum].

At least 2/3 of
members of election commission with decisive voting right should be
appointed for meetings of election commissions to be valid.

At the request of
election commission members, as well as of any superior election
commission member present at the meeting, voting is conducted on the
issues included in an approved agenda, which is within the powers of the
election commission.

Minutes of all
meetings of the election commissions should be recorded; all documents
received by the election commission should be registered.

The chairperson
and secretary of the election commission or commission members who have
voted for the decision sign decisions and minutes of the meetings.

If election
commission members do not agree with a decision of the election
commission, they can record their opinion in writing and this is noted
in the protocol of the election commission. This opinion should be sent
to the superior election commission by the chairperson not later than
three days, on election day and the next day – immediately.

Election
commissions can hire part time employees by contract within the funds
allocated from the budget, in relation to preparation and conduct of
elections.

TV and radio
companies mentioned in article 52.2 allocate 15 free minutes weekly for
Central Election Commission, TV and radio companies mentioned in article
52.3 of this law allocate not less than 10 minutes weekly for the
Territorial Election Commissions, not less than five minutes weekly for
the Precinct Election Commissions during the preparation and conduct of
elections, for them to explain election legislation; to inform the
population about rules for implementation of necessary election activity
and its period, to provide information about election campaigning; and
to answer the voters’ questions.

Periodicals
mentioned in article 52.2. of this law and published no less than once a
week allocate not less than one page of weekly issue for the Central
Election Commission, free, during preparation and conduct of elections.
Periodicals mentioned in article 52.3. of this law and published not
less than once a week allocate not less than one page of weekly issue
for the Territorial Election Commission during preparation and conduct
of elections, for Precinct Election Commissions – not less than half of
a page of weekly issue. The election commissions use these pages to
inform voters about explanations of law, to answer to voters’ questions
on rules and the periods for performing election activities, candidates,
registered candidates, political parties, block of political parties,
election campaign.

CHAPTER V
BASIS FOR PARTICIPATIN OF
POLITICAL PARTIES AND BLOCKS OF POLITICAL PARTIES IN ELECTIONS

Article 29. Participation
of Political parties in Elections

A political party
which is established in accordance with the legislation of the
Azerbaijan Republic, which has obtained a defined certificate confirming
its registration by a relevant executive authority at least six months
prior to the announcement of election day, and which intends to
participate in the elections will be registered by the Central Election
Commission.

The political
party must be registered within three days starting from the day a
political party submits its decision on participation in the elections
to the Central Election Commission.

A document on
registration of a political party is presented to an authorised
representative who represents a political party and whom has an approved
power of attorney in accordance with the rules defined by legislation.

Article 30. Block of
Political Parties

At least two
political parties which have been registered in accordance with the
article 29 of this law can create a block of political parties. A
political party, which is a member of a block of political parties,
cannot function as an independent political party during the period of
conduct of elections or it cannot join another block of political
parties. A decision on joining the block of political parties is adopted
in accordance with the charter of each political party, which intends to
join the block. After adoption of a relevant decision authorised
representatives of each political party sign joint decisions on
establishment of blocks.

An authorised
representative of a political party submits the following documents to
the Central Election Commission for registration:

copies of
charters of political parties, verified by the notary office, which
are entering the block;

decisions of
political parties on joining the block of political parties;

a joint
decision on establishment of a block signed by the authorised
representatives of political parties and verified by the stamp of
these parties.

The registration
of a block of political parties should be completed at latest within
five days starting from the day they submit relevant documents to the
Central Election Commission. A single list of candidates nominated for
the single multi-mandate election district can be submitted together
with the abovementioned documents within the period of time mentioned
above.

The block of
political parties can be refused registration if the following
requirements are not met:

documents
mentioned in the paragraph 2 of this article are not prepared correctly
or are not complete;

political parties
which intend to join block of political parties do not meet the
requirements of article 29 of this law.

No other political
party can be included in the block of political parties after the latter
has been registered by the Central Election Commission.

Article 31. Name and
Emblem of Block of Political Parties

Block of political
parties informs the Central Election Commission about its full and
abbreviated name.

The name of a
block of political party is defined in the meeting of representatives of
the political parties joined in that block. The name of a political
party which is not included in that block (regardless of whether it
participates in the elections) and the names of other blocks of
political parties which have participated in previous elections cannot
be used. If a new registered block of political parties doesn’t include
a majority of political parties, which were included during previous
elections, a newly established block of political parties cannot be
named by its previous name. Name and surname of a physical entity can be
used by the block of political parties only after the physical entity
indicates in writing its consent.

A block of
political parties can submit its emblem to the Central Election
Commission together with its single list of candidates for registration.
A block of political parties can submit a registered emblem of any
political party included in it or other emblem except the same emblems
used for previous elections or being used for current elections by other
blocks of political parties and political parties (taking into account 2nd
paragraph of this article). Emblems of block of political parties must
not breach patent rights, trademark rights; insult state emblems of the
Azerbaijan Republic and other countries, religious emblems; violate
common moral norms. The block of political parties must come to an
agreement with the Central Election Commission about their name, which
should not be more than five words, and [agree about an] emblem in the
election documents.

It is not allowed
to change the names and emblems of blocks of political parties during
the election processes.

Article 32. Authorised
Representatives of Political Parties and Blocks of Political Parties

Political parties
and blocks of political parties appoint their authorised representatives
for participation in elections, as well as for financial issues, in
accordance with this law.

The authorised
representatives are appointed by a decision of a joint meeting of
representatives of political parties or political parties, which are
included in the block, or their congress, conference, or a meeting of a
managing body.

The authorised
representative of a political party and blocks of political parties
implements his/her functions on the basis of a document containing the
following:

his/her powers;

his/her name,
surname, father’s name, date of birth;

the batch and
serial number of his/her identification document (or substitute
document);

his/her living
place;

his/her working
place;

his/her occupation
or position (if he/she does not have them – type of activity).

The authorised
representative on financial issues implements his/her functions on the basis of
decision mentioned in the 2nd paragraph of this article containing
the following:

samples of
financial documents;

samples of stamps
for financial documents.

The list of
authorised representatives appointed by the political parties and blocks
of political parties should be submitted to the Central Election
Commission. The list of other authorised representatives is submitted to
the Territorial Election Commissions, as well, except for the list of
authorised representatives on finance of political parties and blocks of
political parties. The list of authorised representatives of political
parties and block of political parties should contain the following
information upon each representative:

name, surname,
father’s name, birth date;

the batch and
serial number of their identification document (or substitute document),
date of its issue;

address;

main working place
and position (type of activity – in case if they don’t have them);

telephone number.

A written consent of each
authorised representative should be attached to the relevant list, which will be
submitted to the Central Election Commission.

Political party
and blocks of political party can terminate powers of authorised
representative with a decision of authorised body of block of political
parties or political parties, informing him/her about this in writing.
Copy of decision on this should be transferred to the Central Election
Commission and Territorial Election Commission.

The authorised
representatives of political parties, block of political parties who
still work for government or municipal bodies cannot abuse their powers
and positions or occupations during election processes.

Term of office of
the authorised representatives of political parties, block of political
parties commences from the day they are appointed and ends by the finish
of status of all candidates, list of candidates nominated by voters
associations, and voters blocks; not later than general results of
elections are officially published.

Article 33. Participation
of Political Parties and Blocks of Political Parties in the Elections

Political parties
and blocks of political parties participate in the elections to Milli
Majlis in accordance with the rules defined by this law and on equal
basis.

CHAPTER VI.
NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES
FOR DEPUTY OF MILLI MAJLIS AND THEIR REGISTRATION

Article 34. Direct
Nomination of Candidates by Voters

Citizens of the
Azerbaijan Republic who are eligible to vote and who permanently and
mostly reside within the relevant election district can nominate
candidates for a single-mandate election district.

Nomination of
candidates commences after the plan of approved single-mandate election
districts is published.

Candidates are
nominated for single-mandate election districts for repeated elections
after a decision on determination of these elections have been
officially published.

Candidates for a
single-mandate election districts for additional elections are nominated
after the period mentioned in paragraph 3 of the current article.

An initiator or
initiators who nominate a candidate for a single-mandate election
district informs the relevant Territorial Election Commission about
his/her initiative (initiatives) in writing. This document should
contain the following information about each initiator:

name, surname,
father’s name;

birth date,
address;

batch and serial
number of identification document (or a substitute document);

candidate’s
surname, birth date, main working place and position (type of activity
if he/she does not have them);

candidate’s
address.

Together with a
document mentioned in the paragraph 5 of this article a candidate sends
his/her written consent (application) to the relevant Territorial
Election Commission, saying that he/she undertakes to terminate his/her
functions if he/she exceeds the functions of a deputy if he/she is
elected as a deputy of the Milli Majlis. This document contains the
following information about his/her biography: name, surname; birth
date; address; education; main working place and position (type of
activity if he/she doesn’t have working place and position). If
candidates have been sentenced and if it is not canceled or served, they
must note name and number of a relevant article of the Criminal Code of
the Azerbaijan Republic; if a candidate has done an action which
requires a criminal accountability abroad and if the same action
requires accountability according to the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan
Republic, a name of the relevant law of foreign country should be
recorded also. Besides the information on citizenship of the Azerbaijan
Republic, this document should contain information if a candidate has
foreign citizenship or obligations in foreign countries.

A candidate
nominated by the voters can give his/her consent to be nominated for
only one single-mandate election district.

A candidate
nominated by the voters can add information to the application on the
basis of the document, which certifies his/her party affiliation, at
least six months prior to announcement of Election Day. In such cases a
candidate comes to an agreement with a Territorial Election Commission
about naming his/her political party with not more than five words.

If establishment
of the Territorial Election Commission has not been finished before
nominating candidates, initiator’s document, agreements of relevant
candidates and other document are sent to the Central Election
Commission. The Central Election Commission submits these documents to
the Territorial Election Commission after it has been formed and a
chairperson has been selected.

The relevant
election commission should inform the initiators in writing about
receipt of submitted documents, according to the requirements of this
article.

Article 35. Nomination of
Candidates by Political parties and Blocks of Political Parties for
Single-Mandate Election District

A political party
adopts a decision on nomination of candidates for a single-mandate
election district in accordance with its charter. Such a decision should
be made by voting in a collegial order.

Political party
and block of political parties cannot nominate more than one candidate
for a single-mandate election district.

A decision on
nomination of candidate for a single-mandate election district for
repeated or additional elections can be made by a political party in
accordance with the rules mentioned in paragraph 1 of this article,
after a decision on determination of elections is officially published.

Candidates
nominated by the block of political parties for a single-mandate
election district should be approved by each political party, which is
included in that block. A decision on nominating candidates by the block
of political parties is made in the meetings (congresses, conferences,
meetings of management) of representatives of political parties.
Authorised representatives, who have the powers to approve list of
candidates nominated for a single-mandate election district in the
meeting of representatives of political parties included in block of
political parties, are determined at the congress (conference, meeting
of management) of political parties.

Nomination of
candidates by political parties and block of political parties for a
single-mandate election district commences after an approved scheme of
single-mandate election district is published officially.

A decision of
meeting of political party, block of political party on nominating a
candidate is recorded in the minutes of the meeting. The minutes contain
the following:

number of
persons registered for participation in the meeting (congress,
conference, meeting of management);

required
number of participants for adoption of a decision considered by the
agreement on the creation of a block of political parties;

a decision on
nominating a candidate and the results of voting on this decision
(list of candidates nominated for single-mandate election district
should be attached);

date of
adoption of a decision.

The list of
candidates nominated for a single-mandate election district should
contain name and number of election district for which each candidate
has been nominated. The list of candidates nominated by a political
party should be verified by the stamp of the political party. When a
list of candidates is nominated by the block of political parties, a
decision of each political party (members of block) on nominating a
candidate should be approved by stamp of the political party and by the
signatures of authorised representatives of block of political parties.

Political parties
and block of political parties have the right to change a single-mandate
election district, with a consent of the candidate and registered
candidate, for which they have nominated a candidate, at least 65 days
prior to election day, based on the decision of their authorised bodies.
They send a written notice to the Central Election Commission and to the
relevant Territorial Election Commission. Political parties and block of
political parties have the right to nominate the same candidate for a
single multi-mandate election district, who has been listed in the list
of candidates nominated for a multi-mandate election district, with
his/her consent, at least 65 days prior to election day, based on the
decision of their authorised bodies. The Central Election Commission and
the Territorial Election Commission should be informed about this. The
authorised body of political parties and block of political parties
makes a decision on this.

A political party
and block of political parties and political parties included in the
block of political parties can nominate candidates who are not members
of relevant political parties.

Article 36. List of
Candidates Nominated by Political parties and Blocks of Political Parties for a
Single Multi-Mandate Election District

A decision of the
political party on nominating a list of candidates for a single
multi-mandate election district is adopted in accordance with article
35.1 of this law.

A decision of
block of political parties on nominating a single list of candidates
(hereafter referred to as single list of candidates) for a single
multi-mandate election district is adopted by each political party
included in this block, in accordance with its charter. A political
party approves representatives who are authorised to make a decision on
nominating a candidate on behalf of block, in the meeting (congress,
conference) of block of political party. A decision on nominating a list
of candidates on behalf of the block is made in the meeting (congress,
conference) of the representatives of political parties.

Nomination of
single list of candidates by political parties and block of political
parties is implemented after a decision on determination of elections is
officially published.

A decision of the:

congress
(conference, meeting of management) of political party;

meeting (congress,
conference) on nominating candidates of block of political parties

is recorded in the
minutes. The minutes contain the following:

number of
registered participants of the meeting (congress, conference);

required
number of participants for adoption of decision, according to
agreement on establishment of block of political parties and charter
of political parties;

a decision on
nominating a candidate and results of voting on this decision (a
single list of candidates should be attached);

date of
adoption of a decision.

A political party
and block of political parties and political parties included in the
block of political parties can nominate a person who is not a member of
a relevant political party, as a candidate for the single list of
candidates.

A single list of
candidates nominated by the political party is verified by the stamp of
the political party. If a list of candidates is nominated on behalf of
political party block, a decision on nominating a candidate of the
political parties, which are members of the block of political parties,
should be verified by the stamp of the political party. A single list of
candidates nominated by block of political parties is verified by
signatures of authorised representatives of block of political parties
and stamps of political parties included in the block of political
parties.

Rules for
recording candidates in the single list are defined by political parties
and by the block of political parties.

Candidates
nominated by political parties and block of political parties for a
single-mandate election district cannot be included in the single list
of candidates.

The total number
of candidates on a single list nominated by political parties and block
of political parties should not be more than thirty.

Article 37. Submission of
Lists of Candidates Nominated by Political parties and block of political
parties and Other Election Documents to the Central Election Commission

Authorised
representatives of political parties and block of political parties
submit the list of candidates and single list of candidates nominated by
political parties and block of political parties for single-mandate
election district to the Central Election Commission. These lists should
contain the following information about the candidates:

name, surname;

date of birth;

education;

main working or
serving place;

occupation or
position (type of activity if he/she does not have them);

address;

party affiliation,
with his/her own consent;

his/her status or
legal status in political party.

List of candidates should
be submitted to the Central Election Commission in a format defined by it. It
should be typed and prepared in a way that is easy to read.

An authorised
representative of political party submits the following documents
together with the lists of candidates:

copy of
certificate on registration of political party verified by the
notary office;

copy of
charter (in force) of political party verified by the notary office;

decision of
political party (adopted at its conference) on nominating candidates
and minutes of that meeting;

powers of
attorney of authorised representatives of political party issued in
accordance with the rules of this law.

Authorised
representative of block of political parties submits the following
documents to the Central Election Commission:

decisions of
political parties included in block of political parties on
nomination of candidates (adopted at their conferences) and minutes
of relevant meetings;

a decision
adopted at the meeting (congress, conference) of representatives of
political parties which are included in block of political parties
on nominating list of candidates and minutes of relevant meetings;

powers of
attorney of authorised representatives of block of political parties
issued in accordance with requirements of this law.

Besides the
documents mentioned in paragraphs 1-3 of this article, authorised
representatives of political parties and block of political parties must
submit a candidate’s application containing his/her consent and
undertakings for termination of his/her powers if he/she exceeds them
after he/she is elected as a deputy. This application should contain
also the following information about the candidate:

name, surname;

date of birth;

address;

education;

main working or
serving place;

occupation or
position (type of activity if he/she does not have them);

party affiliation,
with his/her own consent, if registered 6 months prior to election day.

If candidates have been
sentenced and if it is not canceled or served, they must note name and number of
a relevant article of the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic; if a
candidate has done an action which requires a criminal accountability abroad and
if the same action requires accountability according to the Criminal Code of the
Azerbaijan Republic, a name of the law of the foreign country should be recorded
as well. Besides the citizenship of the Azerbaijan Republic, this document
should contain information about if a candidate has foreign citizenship or
obligations in foreign countries. If a candidate has been sentenced and if it is
not served or canceled, this information should be recorded in the list.

A candidate
nominated by the political parties and block of political parties can be
included in only one single list of candidates and cannot be nominated
for a single–mandate election district at the same time.

The Central
Election Commission examines the documents within five days and makes a
decision on approval or rejection from approving the list of candidates
and single list of candidates nominated for single-mandate election
district and informs the authorised representatives political parties
and block of political parties. Reasons should be based on evidence. If
a block of political parties has submitted documents required for
registration of block of political parties together with a list of
candidates, in accordance with the rules mentioned in article 30 of this
law, the Central Election Commission examines all submitted documents
not later than five days. The Central Election Commission cannot refuse
to receive the submitted documents.

Political parties
and block of political parties can be refused to be provided with a copy
of approved list of candidates if documents mentioned in paragraphs 1-4
of this article have not been prepared in a required form and if rules
for nomination of candidates have been violated.

A political party
and block of political parties can file a complaint about refusal of
receipt of documents and submission of approved copy of list of
candidates with the Supreme Court of the Azerbaijan Republic (hereafter
referred to as the Supreme Court). This complaint should be examined
within five days by the Supreme Court.

No changes can be
made in the list of candidates or single list of candidates nominated
for a single-mandate election district, after they have been submitted
to the Central Election Commission except for the following:

in order of names
of candidates (in the list);

if a political
party and block of political parties withdraws the candidate based on
his/her own request;

if a candidate
dies;

in cases mentioned
in the article 35.8. of this law.

Political parties
and block of political parties which have nominated candidates for a
single-mandate election district must submit the following documents
together with a decision on nominating candidates to the Territorial
Election Commission:

copy of list of
candidates nominated for a single-mandate election district approved by
the Central Election Commission;

candidate’s
application with his consent to be a candidate for a single-mandate
election district.

This application should
contain information in accordance with paragraph 4 of the current article and
candidate’s undertakings on termination of his/her powers if he/she makes any
action, which exceeds the powers of the deputy.

The Central
Election Commission and Territorial Election Commissions should create
necessary conditions for receiving information about the relevant
candidates.

Article 38. Insurance of
Equal Status for Candidates

Except the cases
defined by this law, all candidates have equal rights and obligations.
Candidates who are government or municipal officials are prohibited from
abusing their positions to have superiority.

The following
actions are considered by this law as an abuse of position and
occupation:

to engage
state or municipal officials who are subordinate employees of
candidates with an activity which assists to be nominated as a
candidate or to be elected as a deputy, during their working hours;

to use the
buildings of state or municipal bodies for being nominated as a
candidate or for being elected as a deputy, if other candidates or
registered candidates cannot use these buildings with equal
conditions;

to use
communication, information and telephone services of state bodies,
organizations or municipalities for collecting signatures and for
election campaigning;

to use
transport, which is state or municipal property, free or with
privileged conditions to assist to be nominated as a candidate or to
be elected as a deputy (abovementioned cases do not concern the
persons who use the transport in accordance with the legislation of
the Azerbaijan Republic "On State Protection");

to engage
state or municipal officials to collect signatures or to conduct
election campaign during their business trips;

to use mass
media mentioned in article 52.1. of this law for collecting
signatures or for election campaigning with privileged conditions.

The following
cannot implement charitable activities during the election campaigning
processes:

candidates;

political parties
and block of political parties which have nominated candidates;

authorised
representatives of political parties, block of political parties;

their founders,
owners;

legal entities who
are persons mentioned above;

other physical or
legal entities which are functioning on the request of abovementioned
persons.

Abovementioned persons and
organizations are prohibited to be requested from the following:

to render
financial assistance to other physical and legal entities;

to render
financial assistance to voters or organizations or to render service to
them.

Physical and legal
entities are prohibited from conducting charitable activities on behalf of
political parties and block of political parties and their authorised
representatives or a candidate.

Collection of
signatures in support of candidates nominated directly by voters starts
in accordance with the article 34 of this law, from the day a relevant
Territorial Election Commission is informed about this.

At least two
thousand signatures should be collected in support of a candidate within
the territory of election district a candidate has been nominated for.

Signature sheets
are prepared in a format mentioned in "Annex 1" which is attached to
this law. Each signature paper should contain: candidate’s working or
service place, occupation or position (type of activity), address, name
and number of election district he/she is nominated for. If a candidate
has been sentenced and it is not served or canceled, the signature sheet
should contain name and number of the article of Criminal Code of the
Azerbaijan Republic due to which he/she is sentenced, or name of
relevant legislation of foreign country if a candidate has any actions
that require criminal accountability in that country and if the same
actions require accountability by the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan
Republic.

The signature
sheet can contain name of political party, which has been recorded in
the candidate’s written consent to be a candidate, in accordance with
the article 37.4 of this law.

Article 40. Collecting
Signatures in Support of Candidates Nominated by Political Parties, Block of
Political Parties

Political parties
and block of political parties, which have nominated candidates for a
single-mandate election district, should collect voters’ signatures
within the election district, where a candidate agreed to be nominated.
At least two thousand signatures of voters living within the relevant
election district should be collected in support of each candidate.

Political parties
and blocks of political parties, which have nominated a single list of
candidates, should collect at least 50,000 signatures of voters. Those
signatures should be collected at least from 75 single-mandate election
district.

Political parties
and block of political parties can start collection of voters signatures
in support of a single list of candidates from the day Central Election
Commission approves copy of a single list of candidates. Political
parties and block of political parties can start collection of
signatures in support of candidates nominated for single-mandate
election district from the day they submit documents and information to
the TEC as mentioned in the article 37.10 of this law.

Signature sheets
should be prepared in the format shown in "Annexes 1 and 2" of this law.

While collecting
voters signatures in support of single list of candidates, each
signature sheet should contain names, surnames, birth dates, main
working or serving place, occupation or positions (type of activity – if
they do not have them) of the first three candidates who appear in the
list of candidates. If a mentioned candidate had been sentenced and it
is not served or canceled, name and number of relevant article of the
Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic should be recorded in the
signature sheet. If a candidate had executed an action which requires
accountability in foreign country, and if the same action requires
accountability by the Criminal Code of the Azerbaijan Republic, name of
the law of that foreign country and name (number) of the single-mandate
election district should be recorded as well. A person who collects
signatures should submit a single list of candidates approved by the
Central Election Commission if a person signing in support of candidates
requests that.

If political
parties and blocks of political parties which have nominated candidates
for a single-mandate election district collect signatures in support of
candidates, besides the information about candidates, a signature paper
should contain name of political parties and block of political parties
which have nominated this candidate, party affiliation of a candidate
and his/her relevant status in that political party, if a candidate have
recorded this in his/her application.

Article 41. Rules for
Collecting Voters Signatures in Support of Single List of Candidates and
Candidates

State bodies,
municipalities and legal entities [regardless of the category of
business ownership] are prohibited from participating in collecting
signatures. It is prohibited to force voters to sign or to reward them
for signing. If a relevant court approves that these rules are notfollowed, collected signatures can be considered invalid;
candidates, registered candidates, single list of candidates, single
list of registered candidates can be refused from registration or their
registration can be canceled.

A citizen of the
Azerbaijan Republic, who is 18 years old, [of sound mind and body,
legally eligible to work], can collect voters signatures. A candidate,
political party and block of political parties can sign an agreement
with a person who will collect voters’ signatures. This person can be
paid only from candidate’s, political party’s, block’s of political
parties election funds.

Signatures in
support of candidates and single list of candidates can be collected in
educational institutions, populated places, and other places where
election campaigning is not prohibited.

A voter can sign
only once in support of a candidate or a single list of candidates. When
signing, a voter records the following information about him/herself:
name, surname, father’s name, date of birth, address, batch and serial
number of identification document (or a substitute document), date of
its issue and date of signing. A person who collects signatures can
record additional information about the voter who signs the signature
sheets, if such information is necessary. This information is recorded
in writing.

Voters can sign in
support of candidates and a single list of candidates on either front or
reverse side of signature sheets. In such cases, the reverse side of the
signature sheet is considered a continuation of the front page. The
signature sheet is verified on its reverse side.

Signature sheets
containing the signatures in support of a candidate nominated for a
single-mandate election district are signed by a person who has
collected them and by a candidate, after signatures have been collected.
A person who has collected signatures records his/her name, surname,
father’s name, address, batch and number of identification document,
date of its issue, as well as a candidate’s name, surname, father’s name
and date of signing on signature sheets, before he/she signs it.

Signature sheets
containing the signatures in support of single list of candidates are
signed by a person who has collected them and by authorised
representatives of political party, block of political parties, after
signatures have been collected. A person who has collected signatures
records his/her name, surname, father’s name, address, batch and number
of identification document, date of its issue; a relevant authorised
representative records his/her name, surname, father’s name and date of
signing the signature sheets, before he/she signs it.

Each political
party, block of political parties, voter or voters who have nominated a
candidate for single-mandate election district can collect the required
number of signatures in support of the candidate together, after they
inform the relevant election commission in writing about nominating the
same candidate. In such cases, it is prohibited to collect together
signatures collected by different persons.

After signatures
in support of single list of candidates have been collected, authorised
representatives of political parties and block of political parties
calculate the total number of signatures. A protocol on results of
calculations of signatures is completed and signed by the authorised
representatives of political party, block of political parties.

Initiators of
nominating candidates for a single-mandate election district, authorised
representatives of a candidate or political party and block of political
parties calculate the total number of signatures in support of a
candidate, complete a protocol about it and sign it.

The number of
voters signatures on signature sheets submitted to the election
commission should not exceed more than 15% than the required number
defined by this law.

Signature sheets
submitted to a relevant election commission should be numbered [in
consecutive order]. All signature sheets in support of single list of
candidates should be numbered [in consecutive order] and then kept
together in a folder.

Article 42. Submission of
Documents for Registration of Candidates and Single List of Candidates

Authorised
representatives of candidates, political party and block of political
parties submit the following documents to the relevant Territorial
Election Commission at earliest fifty five days and at latest thirty
five days prior to election day for registration of candidates nominated
for a single-mandate election district before 6.00 PM:

signature
sheets, which include voters signatures in support of candidates;

two copies of
protocols on results of collecting signatures prepared in a format
defined by the Central Election Commission;

information on
changes made to the information about the candidates, submitted
according to the articles 34.5-6 and 37.1-4 of this law;

information on
the amount and sources of candidate’s income;

information on
the candidate’s property on the basis of right to property;

candidate’s
initial financial record (including information on funds spent for
organization of collection of voters signatures).

Authorised
representatives of political party and block of political parties must
submit the following documents to the Central Election Commission at
earliest one hundred and five days and at latest fifty five days prior
to election day before 6.00 PM for registration of single list of
candidates:

signature
papers, which include voters signatures in support of a single list
of candidates;

two copies of
protocols on results of collecting signatures prepared in a format
defined by the Central Election Commission;

information on
changes made later to the copies of single list of candidates
submitted before in accordance with the articles 37.1-4 of this law;

information on
amount and sources of income of each candidate;

information on
property of each candidate, on the basis of right to property;

initial
financial account of political party and block of political parties
(including information on funds spent for organization of collection
of voters’ signatures).

Information on
amount and sources of income of the candidate for the period of one year
should be submitted in a format defined by the Central Election
Commission starting from the day of determination of Election Day. At
the same time, organizations, which are income sources, submit a summary
of annual income. Information on property owned by the candidate should
be submitted in a format mentioned "Annex #4". The Central Election
Commission defines the list of information of candidate’s property and
income to be published.

When receiving
election documents, election commissions approve each folder containing
signature sheets with their stamp, check if number of submitted
signature sheets match with the number recorded in the protocol on
results of collecting signatures, then provides the candidate,
authorised representatives of political party and block of political
parties with a document on receipt of election documents. This document
contains date and time of receipt, number of signature sheets received
and number of signatures announced. If abovementioned persons submit
relevant documents to relevant election commission before the time
mentioned in the paragraphs 1-2 of this article, they cannot be refused
receipt of documents; authorised representatives of a candidate,
political party and block of political parties cannot be obstructed to
enter relevant buildings.

Registration of
candidates and a single list of candidates commences after voters’
signatures are submitted to the relevant election commission.

Article 43. Checking
Accuracy of Signature Sheets and Documents Submitted by Candidates, Political
Parties, Block of Political Parties

The Central
Election Commission checks whether the procedures of nominating a single
list of candidates fulfill the requirements of this law, checks accuracy
of documents submitted in accordance with the requirements of this law,
of information recorded in signature sheets of each political party,
block of political parties. According to this law, the Central Election
Commission has the right to check accuracy of information about
biography and other information submitted by a candidate, political
party, block of political parties.

Relevant
Territorial Election Commission checks accuracy of documents defined by
this law, signature sheets of each candidate and checks whether
procedures of nominating candidates fulfill the requirements of this
law. The Territorial Election Commission has the right to check accuracy
of information about biography and other information submitted by a
candidate, political party, block of political parties and voters,
according to this law.

The election
commission can apply to the relevant bodies with a purpose to check
accuracy of information and facts submitted in accordance with this law.
Those bodies should inform the election commissions about the results of
examination within the period defined by the election commission. If
there are twenty-five days remaining prior to the Election Day [the
answer must be provided] within a one day period.

The relevant election
commission can make a decision on creating working groups consisting of election
commission members, employees of election commission apparat and specialists
invited to check accuracy of signatures and relevant information. Such
investigation can include the following persons:

members of
subordinate election commissions;

experts of
relevant bodies;

experts
specialized in the filed of registration of population.

Their conclusion can be
accepted, as a basis, which approves that information in the signature sheets,
is not accurate. The election commissions can use the state registration system
of voters to check accuracy of information in signature sheets.

At least 15% of
signatures required for registration of each candidate and single list
of candidates should be checked. For initial examination, an equal
number of signatures collected in support of each candidate and single
list of candidates should be investigated. Signature sheets to be
examined are selected by lottery. Rules for lottery are defined by the
Central Election Commission. The following can be present in the
Territorial Election Commission while casting lots and checking
signature sheets: candidates, their authorised representatives,
authorised representatives of political party, block of political
parties; in the Central Election Commission – authorised representatives
of political party and block of political parties which have nominated
single list of candidates. The relevant election commission should
inform the abovementioned persons about each lottery and examination of
documents in advance. The election commission cannot refuse or obstruct
abovementioned persons sent by a candidate, political party and block of
political parties to participate in these actions. All signatures
selected for investigation should be examined.

Accuracy or
incorrectness of voters’ signatures can be approved due to results of
investigation.

Crossed out
signatures (in the signature sheets) of the persons who have nominated a
candidate or a single list of candidates are not checked and registered
if persons who collect signatures made relevant notes on it [about why
the name is crossed out], before they submit the signatures sheets to
the relevant election commission.

If a signature of
one person appears several times while checking them, only one signature
is considered valid, others are considered incorrect.

The following
signatures are incorrect:

signatures of
voters who do not have right to vote or who have recorded
information incorrectly, according to information of relevant
executive authorities and conclusion of experts invited in
accordance with the paragraph 3 of this article;

if signatures
of voters are included in the signature sheets before the
Territorial Election Commission received information on nominating a
candidate or before the Central Election Commission approved the
copies of single lists of candidates;

signatures of
voters who did not record information required by this law;

signatures
considered invalid in accordance with 41.1 and 41.4 of this law;

signatures
recorded by one person on behalf of several voters;

signatures
which are not recorded in writing or recorded by pencil;

if dates of
signatures have been changed; these changes are considered correct
if persons who approved the signature sheets verify them;

All signatures in
the signature sheets are considered invalid if sheetsare not
verified in writing by a person who collected them, a candidate,
authorised representatives of political party, block of political
parties, or signatures of authorised representatives are not correct.

If several persons
sign for one voter or one person signs for several voters, all these
signatures are considered invalid in accordance with written conclusion
of experts invited due to paragraph 3 of this article.

If a line in a
signature sheet does not fulfill the requirements of this law, that line
should be considered invalid, except cases mentioned in paragraphs 7 and
9 of this article.

If signatures are
not found invalid in accordance with 7th and 9th
paragraphs of this article, and corrections and notes are made in a
defined manner, while checking the accuracy of signatures and counting
the signatures,then these facts cannot be a reason to consider
the signatures invalid.

If more than 10%
of selected signatures are incorrect, then the additional 10% of
signatures required for registration should be checked in an
abovementioned manner.

If more than 10%
of total number of signatures, checked in accordance with paragraph 13
of this article, are incorrect, checking process is stopped and a
candidate and asingle list of candidates is not registered.

If number of
signatures is less than required number, after invalid signatures have
been removed, candidate and single list of candidates are not
registered.

Head of the
working group, member of relevant election commission who have decisive
right to vote prepare a relevant protocol on results of checking
signature sheets collected in support of each candidate and single list
of candidates, they sign it and transfer to the election commission for
a relevant decision. The protocol contains the number of checked
signatures and number of invalid signatures with a note of reason. This
protocol should be attached to a relevant decision of the election
commission. Copy of the protocol should be submitted to a candidate,
authorised representatives of political party and block of political
parties at least twelve hours prior to the meeting of the election
commission, which deals with registration of candidates and single list
of candidates. A candidate, political party and block of political
parties have the right to obtain the following documents if signature
sheets do not contain the required number of signatures and if more than
10% of signatures have been considered invalid:

copy of the
protocol verified by the head of the working group;

reasons for
considering signatures invalid including:

number of a
relevant folder;

number of line in
the signature sheet;

copy of the
working-table on results of investigation.

Article 44. Registration
of Candidate, Single List of Candidates

The Central
Election Commission must make a decision on registration or refusal of
registration of the single list of candidates, within ten days after the
receipt of signature sheets and other documents required for the
registration of the abovementioned list. The Territorial Election
Commission makes a decision on registration or refusal of registration
of the candidate for a single-mandate election district within ten days
after the receipt of signature sheets and other documents required for
registration of candidate for a single-mandate election district. A
decision to refuse the registration must be based on evidence. If
candidate nominated by a political party and blocks of political parties
is registered, the Territorial Election Commission includes in the
decision nomination of candidate by political party, block of political
parties. A decision on registration or refusal of registration contains
the date and time it is adopted.

One person cannot
be registered:

on more than one party
list for a single list of candidates, or

in more than one
single mandate election district,

nor, under the
abovementioned conditions simultaneously.

If rules mentioned
in the paragraph 2 of this article are violated, previous registration
of the candidate is considered valid, a decision on registration made a
little later is canceled by the decision of relevant election commission
(if a former registered candidate does not apply for canceling his/her
previous registration) or the relevant candidate is removed from the
single list of candidates.

The relevant
election commission should submit a copy of the decision on registration
of candidates, single list of candidates to the candidates, a voter,
voters who have nominated a candidate, authorised representatives of
political party and block of political parties which have nominated a
single list of candidates, within one day starting the day it is
adopted. If registration has been refused, reasons for that should be
recorded. The following can be reasons for refusal:

violation of
rules for collecting signatures defined by this law;

if documents
mentioned in the articles 34, 37 and 42 of this law are not prepared
correctly or they do not exist;

if the number
of correct signatures collected in support of candidates or single
list of candidates is less than required number or if more than 10%
of checked signatures are invalid;

if information
submitted by candidates, political party, block of political
parties, in accordance with this law, is not correct (if information
about separate candidates is not correct in the single list of
candidates nominated by political party, block of political parties,
only that candidate’s name is removed from the approved list of
candidates for this reason);

if rules the
for creation of election funds of candidates, political party and
block of political parties and rules for expenditure of relevant
funds have been violated;

if authorised
representatives of political party, block of political parties, as
well as candidates, political parties and block of political parties
violate the requirements of the article 38.3 of this article;

other reasons
considered by this law.

If the election
commission finds out cases that require criminal or administrative
accountability, it transfers relevant documents and materials to the law
enforcement bodies to investigate the case and violators to become
accountable.

If the election
commission finds out that information submitted by candidates, political
party and block of political parties (in accordance with 34, 37 and 42
articles of this law) is invalid after the registration of candidate or
single list of candidates, the election commission can cancel the
registration of the candidate (by removing the candidate from the list
of candidates) up to ten days prior to the election day. If less than
ten days are left to Election Day, the election commission can apply to
the court to cancel the registration of the candidate (to remove the
candidate from the list of candidates).

Complaints may be
filed about the CEC’s decision on registration of single list of
candidates or refusal of it with the Supreme Court. Complaints may be
filed about the TEC’s decision on registration of candidates or refusal
of registration with the Central Election Commission or relevant courts.
The complaint should be examined within five days from the day of its
receipt.

Each registered
candidate is issued a card on registration. The relevant election
commissions inform the mass media about the registered candidates and
single list of candidates, within forty-eight hours after the
registration. The Territorial Election Commissions display information
about the candidates and single list of candidates on a special board
defined by this law in the rooms of election commissions, at least
fifteen days prior to Election Day. Information on cancellation of
candidate’s and single list of candidates’ registration, on changes made
to the membership of registered block of political parties and on
withdrawal of candidate from the single list of candidates should be
displayed with the same manner.

If none of the
candidates or only one candidate has been registered for a
single-mandate election district at least twenty five days prior to
election day, or if none of the lists of candidates or only one list of
candidates has been registered at least forty five days prior to
election day, election in the relevant election district is postponed
for two months, in accordance with the rules mentioned in article 5 of
this law, with a purpose to nominate additional candidates and list of
candidates and to conduct other election processes.

CHAPTER VII
STATUS OF REGISTERED
CANDIDATES

Article 45. Equality of
Registered Candidates

All registered
candidates have equal rights and responsibilities, except the cases
defined by this and other laws.

Registered
candidates who are state or municipal officials or persons who work with
mass media on the basis of a labour or civil contract are released from
their employment during their participation in the elections. They
submit a copy of the approved order (decision) to the relevant election
commission at latest within three days from the day of registration.
They are prohibited to abuse their positions of authority to gain
privileges.

Registered
candidates who occupy positions defined by the relevant executive
authority and who implement their functions during the election
campaigning as well as candidates who are elected municipal officials,
cannot abuse their positions of authority to gain privileges.

Cases of
violations of equality principles regarding abuse of occupation and
position are determined by article 38.2. of this law.

Registered
candidates who occupy state positions defined by the relevant executive
authority or who are elected municipal officials have the right to
conduct election campaigns only when they finish performing their
duties. These rules do not concern free usage of TV and radio programs
by the registered candidate in accordance with article 53 of this law.

Officials, TV or
mass media journalists or other creative persons who are registered
candidates or authorised representatives or agents of registered
candidates, candidates, political parties and block of political parties
are prohibited from participating in reporting election processes by the
mass media.

To follow
prohibitions defined by this law should not obstruct deputies or
municipal members from performing their powers and duties before the
voters.

The following
persons cannot conduct charitable activities during the election
processes:

registered
candidates, political parties, block of political parties;

political parties
included in the block of political parties which have nominated a single
list of registered candidates or registered candidates for a
single-mandate election district;

political party
and block of political parties which have their list of candidates
registered, or which have nominated registered candidates for a
single-mandate election district; their authorised representatives or
agents;

organizations
which are founders, owners, members or employees of abovementioned
persons;

other physical and
legal entities who function due to instructions of abovementioned
persons and organizations.

The abovementioned persons
and organizations are prohibited to appeal to the voters with an offer to render
material and financial assistance or other services. Physical and legal entities
are prohibited from conducting charitable activity on behalf of candidates,
registered candidates, political party and block of political parties and their
authorised representatives and agents.

Article 46. Insurance of
Registered Candidate’s Activity

Management of the
relevant organizations where the registered candidates are working,
studying, serving or commander of military unit where they are serving
must release the candidates for the period mentioned in their reports,
effective from the date of their registration until the date of the
official announcement of the results of the election. During the period
of release from his/her employment, the relevant election commission
should allocate payment for candidates in amount of their average
monthly salary (wages) from the budget allocated for preparation and
conduct of elections. This payment should not exceed the amount of
twenty times the minimum salary defined by legislation. Registered
candidates are paid compensation for the period they are released from
employment on the basis of the document which proves their unpaid leave
from their working (studying) or servicing place.

Transport and
public transport tickets within the territory of the relevant election
district as well as between towns are paid to the candidate registered
for a single-mandate election district. If one town covers several
election districts and if candidate is registered from one of these
areas, the registered candidate is paid for his/her travels within the
town. If a registered candidate lives outside of the election district
he/she has been nominated for, he/she is paid for four round trips by
train and car, and two round trips by plane. Expenses of the candidate
registered for a single-mandate election district are paid by the
relevant Territorial Election Commissions from the budget allocated for
preparation and conduct of elections. A candidate included in the
registered single list of candidates is paid for two round trips by
public transport and plane within the territory of the Azerbaijan
Republic. These expenditures are paid from the budget allocated for the
Central Election Commission.

Travel
expenditures of the registered candidates are paid effective from the
date of their registration and until the date of the official
announcement of the results of the elections. Expenses for taxis and
unscheduled transport services are not paid. Expenditures for travels
within the town and outside of the town are paid if tickets for that
travel are submitted.

Within the period
mentioned in 1st paragraph of this article, a registered
candidate cannot:

be dismissed from
his/her job, service, educational institution on the initiative of
his/her employer, or transferred to another job (to study or serve in
other place) or position without his/her own agreement;

be sent on
business trips;

be conscripted to
military service or military courses of instructions.

The period during which a
candidate is participating in the election starting from the day of registration
is included in his/her years of professional service.

Within the period
mentioned in the paragraph 1 of this article, a registered candidate
cannot be indicted for a crime or be arrested without permission of the
court, be subjected to administrative penalties without the permission
of the general prosecutor of the Azerbaijan Republic, after he/she has
been registered as a candidate. If the prosecutor approves the above,
the General Prosecutor or the court must inform the Election Commission,
where the candidate has been registered, about it immediately.

Candidates
registered for single-mandate election district, political party and
block of political parties which have the single list of candidates
registered, or their authorised representatives, can obtain information
about the territory of the relevant Territorial Election Commission, its
address, telephone, as well as about lists of voting stations, Precinct
Election Commissions and addresses of voting stations.

Article 47. Agents of
Registered Candidates, Political parties and block of political parties

Each candidate
registered for a single-mandate election district has the right to have
three agents, political party and block of political parties which have
a registered single list of candidates, have the right to have thirty
agents. The relevant Territorial Election Commission or the Central
Election Commission registers the abovementioned persons. Agents should
be registered within three days from the day of receipt of document
about appointment of agents by the political party and block of
political parties or of a candidate and agents written consent. An
application should contain the following information about the agent:

name, surname,
father’s name;

date of birth;

working or serving
place;

occupation (type
of activity);

address;

batch and serial
number, date of issue of the identification document or a substitute
document.

Agents receive
cards from the relevant election commissions. Agents’ employers must
provide them with unpaid leave at the request of agents, within the
period mentioned in article 46.1.

Agents conduct
campaigning or other actions in assisting the candidate or single list
of candidates to be elected. Agents have the right to observe.

Registered
candidates, political parties and block of political parties have the
right to withdraw authorization of their agents and to appoint new ones
to replace them informing election commissions about this. In such
cases, the election commission cancels the card given to those agents.
An agent has the right to withdraw his/her authorization on his/her own
initiative and return the relevant card to the election commission
informing registered candidates, political parties and block of
political parties about this.

Authorization of
agents, commences from the day of their registration by the relevant
election commission and finishes:

not later than the
date of the official publication of the results of the election;

not later than the
final decision of the court is adopted, if an investigation is being
conducted about the violation of this law;

if all candidates
they represent lose their status, except the cases mentioned in the
paragraph 4 of this article.

Article 48. Refusal from
Candidate’s Status

A candidate
nominated for a single-mandate election district can withdraw his/her
application on his/her consent to be a candidate any time, informing the
relevant election commission about this. This written information cannot
be withdrawn.

A candidate
registered for a single-mandate election district can submit an
application to the relevant election commission and withdraw his/her
candidacy at least three days prior to Election Day. Such an application
cannot be withdrawn. The Territorial Election Commission makes a
decision on canceling candidate’s registration within one day based on
the application received. If a registered candidate withdraws his/her
candidacy without compelling excuse, he/she must return funds given to
him/her from the budget by the Territorial Election Commission.

Candidates who
have been included in the registered single list of candidates can apply
to the Central Election Commission in writing and refuse to participate
in the elections at least five days prior to Election Day. This
application cannot be withdrawn. Based on the application received, the
Central Election Commission removes the candidate, registered candidate
from the relevant list of candidates within a day.

Persons who have
performed actions mentioned in paragraphs 1-3 of this article may
re-nominate their candidacy for any single-mandate election district, in
accordance with rules and period considered by this law.

A political party,
block of political party, which have nominated a single list of
candidates can apply to the Central Election Commission in writing and
withdraw the single list of candidates at least five days prior to
election day, with a decision of the body which has nominated it.

A political party
included in the block of political parties can apply to the Central
Election Commission and refuse to participate in the elections as a
member of a relevant voters block, at least five days prior to election
day, based on the decision of authorised body of political party, in
accordance with the rules defined by this law. A political party which
has refused to participate in the election as a member of a relevant
block of political parties can participate in the elections as an
independent political party or can join another block of political
parties. If all political parties (except one) refuse to participate in
the elections after the Central Election Commission approves the single
list of candidates nominated by block of political parties, the
remaining political party can participate in the elections as a block of
political parties, keeping its name and emblem. This rule does not
concern the cases of refusal or cancellation of registration of the
single list of candidates, according to paragraph 11 of this article.

If a block of
political parties refuses to participate in the elections, it does not
mean that political parties included in that block cannot participate
either; the followings are required for this:

repeated
nomination of candidates, in accordance with this law and

other required
election actions.

A political party,
in accordance with its charter, and block of political parties, in
accordance with a decision of authorised representatives of political
parties, which are included in that blocks, can withdraw some candidates
from the single list of candidates registered by the Central Election
Commission, any time, at least five days prior to election day.

A political party,
according to its charter and block of political parties, according to
the decision of authorised representatives of political parties included
in the block, have the right to apply to the relevant Territorial
Election Commission in writing and to withdraw candidates nominated for
a single-mandate election district and registered candidates at least
five days prior to election day. If candidacy of a candidate has been
withdrawn, the Territorial Election Commission ensures reimbursement of
all expenses given to the candidate nominated by political parties,
block of political parties from the state budget.

The election
commission, which makes a decision on refusal of a candidate’s
registration immediately, informs persons to whom this decision concerns
about it and submits a copy of this decision to them.

If the number of
candidates withdrawn from the single list of candidates in accordance
with the candidate’s application or political parties and block of
political parties decision, is more than 25% of total number of
candidates appeared in the approved list of candidates, or if one of the
first three or more candidates have been removed from the list, the
Central Election Commission refuses to register the single list of
candidates or cancels its registration (except the cases mentioned in
paragraph 16 of this article).

Other persons can
be added to the list or order of candidates’ names can be changed, as
well as actions considered by the article 35.8. of this law can be
performed after some candidates have been removed from the list. Changes
made in accordance with this law, charter of political party, agreement
on creation of block of political parties cannot be the basis for
refusal of registration of single list of candidates or for canceling
it.

The Central
Election Commission takes back funds given to political party and block
of political parties when they withdraw their single lists of candidates
due to paragraph 5 of this article without compelling reasons, or when
the single list of candidates is canceled in accordance with paragraph
11 of this article.

An election is
postponed for not more than two months in a single-mandate election
district, and for not more than three months in a single multi-mandate
election district for implementing election processes and for nominating
candidates as defined by article 5 of this law in the following cases:

if no registered
candidates remain up to election day or if only one registered candidate
remains up to election day;

if no registered
single lists of candidates remain for multi-mandate election district or
if only one registered single list of candidates remains.

The relevant
election commission takes back all funds spent by candidates, political
party and block of political parties for preparation and conduct of
elections, when circumstances mentioned in paragraph 14 of this article
happen due to following;

if a registered
candidate withdraws his/her candidacy;

if political
parties or block of political parties withdraw their registered
candidate (without compelling excuse);

if registration of
a candidate has been canceled according to paragraphs 3 and 5 of article
84 of this law;

if political party
and block of political parties withdraw their registered single list of
candidates without compelling reasons;

if single list of
candidates has been canceled according to paragraph 11 of this article.

If a block of political
parties has to return the expenses, funds are equally distributed among
political parties which are included in the relevant block of political parties.

By "compelling
reasons to withdraw candidacy", or "compelling reasons for political
party and block of political parties to withdraw their registered
candidate", this law considers the following:

if a registered
candidate has been found mentally incapacitated by the court;

if a registered
candidate is seriously ill;

if a registered
candidate is not healthy.

By "compelling reasons for
political party and block of political parties to withdraw their registered
single list of candidates", this law considers:

if the first three
candidates appeared in the list of candidates died or are considered
dead;

if more than 25%
of candidates have been removed from the list of candidates due to these
reasons.

producing and
distributing printed materials, audio-visual and other campaign
materials;

other forms
not prohibited by the law.

Election campaign
by mass media is conducted by:

open discussions;

round tables,
press conferences;

interviews,
speeches;

political ads;

TV spots;

spots about
political parties, block of political parties;

other forms not
prohibited by the law.

Registered candidates,
political parties and block of political parties define forms of election
campaigning independently.

The following are
prohibited from conducting election campaign, from distributing and
publicizing election campaign materials:

state bodies
and municipalities;

state and
municipal officials, state and municipal employees, military persons
(abusing their positions and privileges while performing their
duties);

military
units, military enterprises and organizations;

charity and
religious organizations, or organizations established by them;

election
commissions, members of election commissions with decisive voting
right.

Article 50. Period of
Election Campaigning

The election
campaign begins twenty-five days prior to Election Day for the
registered candidates, and forty-five days prior to Election Day for the
political parties and block of political parties, which have registered
single list of candidates except for cases defined by this law. It
finishes at midnight (00.00) on the day prior to Election Day. All types
of election campaigning are prohibited on Election Day and a day prior
to Election Day.

Election campaign
materials displayed outside of buildings and rooms of the election
commissions in accordance with this law may stay in their places on
Election Day.

Article 51. Public Opinion
Survey

The mass media
should mention the following information when it publishes results of an
election related public opinion survey:

organizations
where the public opinion survey has been conducted;

period of conduct;

exact questions;

number of
respondents;

methods of
collecting information;

exact questions;

statistic figures
of future results.

It is prohibited
to publish results of public opinion survey, prognosis of election
results and other investigations related to the elections three days
prior to Election Day as well as on Election Day.

Article 52. General Rules
for Using Mass Media by Registered Candidates, Political parties and block of
political parties

If creators of TV,
radio companies or periodicals are state bodies and organizations, those
TV, radio companies and periodicals create equal conditions for
registered candidates, political parties and block of political parties
to conduct their election campaign from the budget allocated from the
government. Organizations mentioned above cannot campaign for or against
the registered candidates, political parties and block of political
parties on their own initiative.

TV, radio
companies and periodicals mentioned in article 1 of this law which are
aired and distributed in half or more than half of the territory of the
Azerbaijan Republic are to create conditions for political parties and
block of political parties with a registered single list of candidates
to conduct their election campaign. The Central Election Commission
publishes the list of TV, radio companies and periodicals mentioned
above on the basis of document submitted by the relevant executive
authority not later than twenty days after a decision on determination
of elections has been officially published.

TV and radio
companies aired in less than half of the territory of the Azerbaijan
Republic, as well as relevant branches of TV and radio companies
mentioned in paragraph 2 of this article, and periodical mentioned in
paragraph 1 of this article and distributed in less than half of the
territory of the Azerbaijan Republic are to create conditions for
candidates registered for a single-mandate election district to conduct
their election campaign within the territory of relevant administrative
unit. List of TV, radio companies and periodicals should be published by
the relevant Territorial Election Commission on the basis of a document
submitted by the relevant executive authority at least within fifty days
after a decision on determination of elections has been officially
published.

If creators of the
TV, radio companies and periodicals not considered by paragraph 1 of
this article are municipalities, they have to create equal conditions
for registered candidates, political parties and block of political
parties for election campaigning. If TV, radio companies and periodicals
do not participate in the election campaign, they can refuse to publish
any materials or to allocate airtime regardless of their form.

Political parties
and block of political parties define forms of usage of airtime on TV
and radio and periodicals for election campaigning independently.

TV, radio
companies and periodicals mentioned in the paragraphs 1-4 of this
article have the right to allocate paid airtime and pages for registered
candidates, political parties and block of political parties which have
registered single lists of candidates, according to the agreement.
Conditions and amount of payment should be equal for all registered
candidates, political parties, block of political parties. Besides the
information sent to the Central Election Commission about allocation of
airtime and pages in the periodicals for political parties and blocks of
political parties as well as information sent to the Territorial
Election Commission about allocation of airtime and pages in the
periodical for registered candidates, the relevant TV, radio companies
and periodicals should publish amount of payment at least within fifty
days after a decision on determination of elections has been officially
published.

TV and radio
companies, periodicals which allocate paid and free airtime and pages
for registered candidates, political parties and block of political
parties should register the volume and cost of airtime and pages in a
format defined by the Central Election Commission. And they should
inform the relevant Territorial Election Commissions (for candidates
registered for a single-mandate election districts) and the Central
Election Commission (for political parties and blocks of political
parties, registered single lists of candidates) at least five days prior
or at least five days after Election Day. Registered candidates,
political parties and block of political parties are to submit documents
on their consent to pay for allocated airtime and space on the request
of the relevant election commission.

If private TV,
radio companies and mass media do not participate in the election
campaigning, they can refuse to publish election campaign materials.

Article 53. Election
Campaign on TV and Radio

Registered
candidates, political parties and block of political parties with a
registered single list of candidates have the right to use free airtime
on the TV and radio companies mentioned in paragraphs 2 and 3 of the
article 52 of this law.

A lottery should
be conducted for distribution of free airtime allocated in accordance
with rules mentioned in paragraph 9 of this article amongst the
candidates, political parties and block of political parties (based upon
their requests) within one week after the period mentioned in article
50.1 has been started.

Political parties
and blocks of political parties, which have a registered single list of
candidates, have the right to use free airtime to conduct an election
campaign on TV and radio mentioned in article 52.2 of this law.

Candidates
registered for single-mandate election districts have the right to use
free airtime on TV and radio mentioned in article 52.3 of this law.
Candidates registered for single-mandate election district cannot use
free airtime on TV and radio mentioned in article 52.2 of this law.

The total volume
of free airtime for conducting election campaign on TV and radio
considered by the article 52.2 of this law, should not be less than
three hours a week. The total volume of free airtime for conducting
election campaign on TV and radio mentioned in article 52.3 of this law,
cannot be less than one hour and 30 minutes a week. If abovementioned
companies air their programs only two hours a day, airtime mentioned
above cannot be less than one quarter of total airtime of the company.
TV and radio companies should allocate free airtime so that most of the
viewers could be able to watch it.

One third of total
free airtime on TV and radio should be allocated for registered
candidates, political parties and block of political parties which have
a registered single lists of candidates, to conduct discussions, round
tables and other election campaigning actions. Airtime for joint
election campaign activities on TV and radio mentioned in article 52.3
of this law is allocated and calculated for each registered candidate,
political party and block of political parties and performed separately.
Registered candidates, political parties and block of political parties
should use free airtime on equal basis. In this case, free airtime for
each candidate, political parties and block of political parties is
defined separately.

If registered
candidates, political parties and block of political parties refuse to
participate in actions mentioned in paragraph 6 of this article, it does
not mean that free airtime, allocated in accordance with paragraph 8 of
this article, can be prolonged.

Free airtime
provided by TV and radio companies is divided equally among the
registered candidates, political parties and block of political parties,
which have registered single lists of candidates.

Date and time of
election campaign of political parties and block of political parties
are defined by lottery conducted by the Central Election Commission,
with participation of representatives of TV and radio companies. Time
and place of lottery should be officially published. Date and time of
airing election campaign materials of registered candidates are defined
by lottery conducted by the relevant Territorial Election Commission
with participation of representatives of relevant TV and radio
companies. Persons mentioned in article 26.1 of this law have the right
to be present during the lottery. The results of lottery should be
recorded in the protocol. The table of division of airtime defined by
the lottery should be published by the periodicals mentioned in article
52.2 and 52.3 of this law.

Expenses of TV and
radio companies are paid from the state budget to cover free airtime
allocated for registered candidates, political parties, and block of
political parties.

TV and radio
companies mentioned in article 52.1 of this law should keep extra
airtime for conducting paid election campaign by the registered
candidates, political parties, and block of political parties. The
amount and terms of payment should be equal for all registered
candidates, political parties, and block of political parties. Relevant
information should be published at least within fifty days after a
decision on determination of elections has been published. Total volume
of extra paid airtime provided by TV and radio companies cannot be less
or twice more than the total volume of free airtime allocated in
accordance with paragraph 5 of this article.

Rules for usage of
extra paid airtime by each registered candidate, political parties and
block of political parties are defined as follows: total volume of
airtime mentioned above is divided by the total number of registered
candidates or political parties and block of political parties which
have a registered single list of candidates.

Airtime mentioned
in paragraph 12 of this article should be submitted by the TV and radio
companies within the period mentioned in paragraph 2 of the same
article. Date and time of airtime for election campaign materials is
defined by lottery conducted by TV and radio companies with
participation of authorised representatives of candidates, political
parties and blocks of political parties, according to their request. A
lottery should be conducted within a period mentioned in paragraph 2 of
this article. Airtime should be provided in accordance with a contract
signed after the lottery has been conducted.

If a registered
candidate, political parties and block of political parties refuse to
use airtime after the lottery has been conducted, they should inform the
relevant TV and radio company about this two days prior to the date
allocated for them. TV and radio companies decide themselves how to use
this vacant time; except election campaigning purposes.

Election
campaigning on TV and radio companies not considered by article 52.1 and
52.4 of this law begins according to the contract signed with TV and
radio companies.

TV and radio
companies not considered by article 52.1 and 52.4 of this law provide
registered candidates, political parties and block of political parties
with airtime and define payment terms on equal basis. TV and radio
companies that do not follow these rules and article 52.6 cannot
allocate airtime for registered candidates, political parties and block
of political parties to conduct election campaign.

Contract on
allocating paid airtime should include the following:

methods of
election campaigning;

time and date
of airtime;

period of
airtime provided, its payment terms and its amount;

methods of
participation of a performer during the transmission period and
his/her terms.

After terms of contract
are performed, a document is made on use of airtime, recording name of program
and time of airing.

A registered
candidate, political parties and block of political parties should
submit the payment order on transferring full amount of money for
allocation of airtime to the relevant bank at latest 48 hours prior to
the day of air. The relevant bank should transfer money immediately
after it gets the payment order. Period of bank transfer must not be
more than two banking days.

Expenses for
airtime are paid from the election funds of registered candidate,
political parties, block of political parties.

If a registered
candidate, political parties and block of political parties violate the
rules defined by this law during use of free airtime, TV and radio
companies can apply to the court for termination of a contract on
allocation of airtime. After termination of the contract the TV and
radio companies do not have the right to use that vacant time for
election campaign purposes.

Election
campaigning materials of registered candidates; political parties and
block of political parties cannot be interrupted by advertisements for
goods, works and other services.

It is prohibited
to interrupt election campaign materials of registered candidates,
political parties and block of political parties on TV and radio
programs mentioned in article 52.2 of this law by other telecasts.

Information on
conduct of election campaigning actions of registered candidates,
political parties and block of political parties should be announced at
the beginning of the telecast which is transmitted without comments.
Candidates, registered candidates, political parties and block of
political parties do not pay for airtime spent for such information. Any
of registered candidates, political parties and block of political
parties cannot be given a preference while reporting election
campaigning.

Election campaign
telecasts or radiocasts should be video/audiotaped. They should be
preserved by TV and radio companies for 12 months from the day they have
been aired. TV and radio companies must preserve reports on allocation
of paid and free airtime mentioned in article 52.7 for five years from
the Election Day.

Article 54. Election
Campaign Using Periodicals

Registered
candidates, political parties and block of political parties, which have
a registered single list of candidates, have the equal right for free
usage of periodicals, which are considered in article 52.1. and which
are published not less than once a week, for their election campaign
free.

After period
mentioned in the article 50 of this law started, a lottery is conducted
within one week amongst the registered candidates, political parties and
block of political parties for free conduct of election campaign using
periodicals, according to their requests. Lottery is conducted in
accordance with the rules defined by the Central Election Commission.

Periodicals
mentioned in article 52.1 of this law allocate free space for election
campaigning.

The total weekly
volume of free space allocated for registered candidates, political
parties and block of political parties by the periodicals mentioned in
article 52.1 of this law should cover at least 10% of weekly volume of
periodical during the period mentioned in paragraph 3 of this article.
The total volume of free space allocated by the periodicals for the
period mentioned in paragraph 3 of this article should be published by
the periodicals at least fifty days after a decision on determination of
elections has been published. Periodicals mentioned above should
allocate equal space for candidates, political parties and block of
political parties registered for a single-mandate election district.

Free space
allocated by the periodicals mentioned in article 52.3 of this law is
determined by dividing the total volume of free space by total number of
registered candidates, political parties and block of political parties
blocks who have the right for free publication of their election
campaign materials in those periodicals.

Date of
publication of election campaign materials of registered candidates,
political parties and block of political parties is determined by
lottery conducted by periodicals with participation of parties
interested. Members of relevant election commissions, as well as persons
mentioned in article 26.1 of this law can be present during the lottery.
Results of lottery are recorded in the minutes.

Expenses spent by
the periodicals for allocation of free space for registered candidates,
political parties and block of political parties are paid from the state
budget.

Periodicals
mentioned in article 52.1 of this law are to allocate paid space for
registered candidates, political parties and block of political parties
to publish election campaign materials. Terms of payment and its amount
should be equal for all registered candidates, political parties, and
block of political parties. It should be published by the relevant
periodicals at least fifty days after the decision on determination of
elections has been officially published. The total volume of paid space
allocated by the periodicals should not be less than the total volume of
free space in accordance with paragraph 4 of this law.

Every registered
candidate, political parties and block of political parties can get
extra paid space, the size of which is determined by dividing the total
volume of extra paid space by total number of candidates, registered
candidates, political parties and block of political parties with a
registered lists of candidates.

Periodicals must
provide a space, considered by paragraph 9 of this article within a
period mentioned in paragraph 1 of article 50. Date of publication of
election campaign materials of registered candidates, political parties
and block of political parties is determined by lottery conducted by
periodicals, on the basis of written requests of registered candidates,
authorised representatives of political parties, block of political
parties, with participation of interested persons. Lottery is conducted
within the period defined by paragraph 2 of this article. Members of the
relevant election commissions, as well as persons mentioned in article
26.1 of this law have the right to be present during the process of the
lottery. Results of the lottery are recorded in minutes.

If a registered
candidate, a political party and block of political parties refuse to
use the space allocated by the periodicals after lottery has been
conducted, they should inform the relevant periodical at least five days
prior to the date of publication allocated for them. Periodicals decide
themselves how to use the vacant space; except for election campaigning
purposes.

Periodicals not
mentioned in articles 52.1 and 52.4 of this law can publish election
campaign materials of registered candidates, political parties and block
of political parties according to the contract signed with registered
candidates, political parties and block of political parties, which have
a registered list of candidates.

Terms of payment
and amount for space provided by a periodical not mentioned in articles
52.2 and 52.4 of this law, are equal for all candidates, political
parties, block of political parties. Periodicals that do not follow
these rules and article 52.6 of this law cannot allocate space for
candidates, political parties and block of political parties to conduct
election campaigns.

Registered
candidates, political parties and block of political parties cover the
expenses for space allocated by periodicals after the lottery, according
to the contract signed with periodicals. A registered candidate,
political parties and block of political parties must submit the payment
order on complete payment for the allocated space to the relevant bank
at least two days prior to the day of publication. They will not be
allocated space by the periodicals if these rules are violated. The
relevant bank should transfer money immediately starting the day of
receipt of payment order, but not later than next banking day. Bank
transfer cannot take more than two banking days.

Expenses for space
allocated by the periodicals are paid from the candidates’, political
parties’, block of political parties’ election funds.

None of the
periodicals can give their comments during publication of election
campaign materials in accordance with this article, without an agreement
of candidates, political parties, block of political parties.

If periodicals
founded by legislative and executive bodies, courts, municipalities are
established for publishing official materials, information, standard and
other statues of their founders, these periodicals cannot publish
election campaign and other materials.

If periodicals are
founded by registered candidates, political parties and block of
political parties or by political parties included in block of political
parties, requests on allocation of equal space and article 52.6 of this
law do not concern to these periodicals.

All election
campaign materials of candidates, registered candidates, political
parties and blocks of political parties, published by periodicals should
contain information on what candidate’s, political parties’, block of
political parties’ election funds these expenses are paid from. If
election campaign materials are published free, it should be recorded
which candidate, political parties and block of political parties this
free space belongs to.

Article 55. Election
Campaign Using Mass Actions

State bodies and
municipalities must assist the registered candidates, political parties
and block of political parties in organizing meetings with citizens,
open debates, meetings.

Applications of
registered candidates, authorised representatives of political parties
and block of political parties and their agents with a request to
allocate venue for meetings with electors, are investigated by the
relevant executive authority in accordance with the legislation of the
Azerbaijan Republic.

Venues which are
suitable for holding meetings with electors and which are owned by
municipalities and state bodies are provided free of charge by the
owners, in accordance with the order of the election commission, at
times agreed by the election commission and registered candidates,
authorised representatives and agents of political parties, block of
political parties. If a venue has been allocated for one of the
candidates, political parties and block of political parties for
conducting election campaign, the owner cannot refuse to allocate it
with equal conditions to another candidate, political parties and block
of political parties. Election commissions create equal conditions for
registered candidates, political parties and block of political parties
to conduct election campaign.

Registered
candidates, political parties and block of political parties have the
right to lease buildings and rooms owned by citizens and organizations
for conducting meetings with electors, meetings, open debates and other
election campaign actions.

Cultural buildings
and equipment registered by the government cannot be used for election
campaign.

It is prohibited
to conduct an election campaign within the territory of military units,
military organizations and military institutions. Registered candidates,
political parties and block of political parties their authorised
representatives and agents, can conduct meetings with electors who are
in military service within the territory of military unit, only when
such meetings are arranged by the commanders of those military units
together with the relevant Territorial Election Commissions and if all
candidates registered for the relevant single-mandate election district,
political parties and block of political parties are certainly invited
and informed about these meetings at least three days prior to the
meeting. Persons mentioned above, political parties and block of
political parties should be created equal conditions for conducting such
meetings.

According to the
legislation, the relevant executive bodies ensure security and order
during pre-election mass actions.

Article 56. Production and
Distribution of Printed, Audiovisual and Other Election Campaign Materials

Registered
candidates, political parties and block of political parties have the
right to produce printed, audiovisual and other election campaign
materials in accordance with rules defined by the legislation.

Before the day of
official publication of a decision on the determination of elections,
advertising organizations, founders (cofounders) that are state bodies
or municipalities or their organizations, must create equal conditions
for candidates registered for a single-mandate election district,
political parties and block of political parties from the funds
allocated by the executive authorities and municipalities.

A registered
candidate should submit a sample or a copy of printed election campaign
materials to the relevant Territorial Election Commission; political
parties and block of political parties submit them to the Central
Election Commission. Besides these materials, they should submit
addresses of organizations, which produced and requested them, to the
relevant election commission. It is prohibited to print and distribute
election campaign materials without written consent of registered
candidate, political parties, block of political parties.

It is prohibited
to distribute election campaign materials violating rules defined by
paragraphs 3 and 4 of this article.

At least 30 days
prior to Election Day, relevant executive authorities and
municipalities, with a request of Territorial Election Commission,
allocate locations for displaying printed election campaign materials
within the territory of each voting station. These places must be
accessible for people and information displayed there must be read
easily. Candidates registered for single-mandate election district,
authorised representatives of political parties and block of political
parties with registered lists of candidates have the right to obtain
lists of locations allocated for displaying election campaign materials
from the Territorial Election Commission.

In the cases not
mentioned in paragraph 6 of this article, election campaign materials
can be displayed (hung, stuck etc.) in rooms, buildings and other places
if the owners of those places do not object.

It is prohibited
to display election campaign materials on monuments, historical,
cultural heritage, equipment which are included in the relevant state
register, as well as in rooms used by election commissions, in voting
rooms and their entrances.

Election
commissions must take necessary measures against the display of spurious
printed and audiovisual materials and if it has information on
distribution of election materials violating rules defined by paragraphs
3,4,7 and 8 of this article, and must apply to the relevant legal
enforcement bodies to take measures to stop such campaign activities
which contradict the law and to remove the election campaign materials
distributed illegally.

Article 57. Preventing
Abuse of Right to Conduct Election Campaigns

It is prohibited
to abuse the mass media during the conduct of election campaigns.
Pre-election programs of registered candidates, political parties and
blocks of political parties, meetings, and election campaign materials
distributed by the mass media and speeches must not contain incitements
to capture the government by force, to change the constitutional basis
of government by force, to violate the territorial integrity of the
country, to insult citizens honour and dignity. It is prohibited to
abuse the mass media using methods which incite social, ethnic, national
and religious hostility or other methods which contradict the law. It is
prohibited to conduct an election campaign which violate author’s
rights.

Candidates,
registered candidates, political parties and blocks of political
parties, their authorised representatives and agents, as well as other
persons and organizations who participate in the elections directly or
indirectly are prohibited from:

giving money,
giving gifts or other valuable things to voters, except for performance
of organizational works;

granting the
voters who performed organizational works, or promising to grant them,
depending on results of elections;

selling goods at a
discount;

providing any
goods free of charge (except printed materials);

providing free or
discounted services.

During election
campaigning registered candidates, political parties and blocks of political
parties, their authorised representatives, other persons and organizations are
prohibited from influencing the voters by promising to give them securities,
goods, money, as well as from rendering other services which contradict the law.

Registered
candidates, agents and authorised representatives of political parties,
blocks of political parties, as well as organizations, founders, owners
and members of management of which are abovementioned persons and
organizations, can display advertisements of their commercial and other
activities during the election campaigning only on the basis of articles
53.16, 54.13 and 54.18 of this law and from the relevant election fund.
Such advertisements should be stopped twenty-four hours prior to
Election Day.

If TV and radio
companies mentioned in articles 52.1 and 52.4 of this law and
periodicals mentioned in articles 52.1 and 52.4 of this law participate
in the election campaign and do not create conditions for registered
candidates, beforethe election campaign finishes, to defend
their prestige, dignity and honour or to disprove misinformation about
them during the election campaigning period, TV, radio companies and
periodicals mentioned above should prevent distribution and broadcast of
information which impugns the prestige, dignity and honour of the
candidate. If TV and radio companies mentioned in article 52.1-4 of this
law do not provide the candidates with an airtime and space to defend
their prestige, dignity and honour, abovementioned companies and
periodicals or their officials can be accountable for that in accordance
with the legislation.

If registered
candidates, political parties and block of political parties violate
paragraph 1 of this article, the relevant election commissions must
apply to the court to cancel registration of the candidate or single
list of candidates, other state bodies can use these rights. If
registered candidate, political parties and block of political parties
with registered list of candidates violate other rules for conduct of
election campaign or rules defined by this law, the relevant election
commission warns by its decision the registered candidates, political
parties and block of political parties or applies to the relevant legal
enforcement bodies to stop illegal election campaigning. At the same
time, the relevant election commission can cancel registration of the
candidate and single list of candidates. Relevant decision of the
election commission is published by the press.

Legal enforcement
and other bodies must take necessary measures to prevent illegal
election campaigning or illegal production of printed, audiovisual and
other election campaign materials, must find out producers and financial
sources of those materials, and inform the relevant election commission
about this.

If TV, radio
companies and periodicals violate the rules for election campaigningdefined by this law, relevant election commissions have the right to
apply to the legal enforcement bodies, court and relevant executive
authorities with a request to stop illegal election campaigning andto take necessary measures about these companies and periodicals and
their officials.

CHAPTER IX.
FINANCING THE ELECTIONS

Article 58. Financing
Preparation and Conduct of Elections

Preparation and
conduct of the elections, and the activities of election commissions
during their term of office, are financed from the state budget.
Expenses mentioned above are considered by the state budget in
accordance with the budget division of the Azerbaijan Republic.

Funding allocated
for the elections is transferred to the bank account of the Central
Election Commission within ten days after the Election Day is officially
announced.

If the budget has
not allocated required amount of money for preparation and conduct of
elections or money was not transferred in time or completely, the
Central Election Commission has the right to declare tender to loan. In
such cases, the total amount of money required for the preparation and
conduct of elections cannot be more than the total amount of money
required for previous elections up to the Election Day is officially
announced. The relevant executive authority must undertake to return the
loan (including interest) within at latest ten days after the Central
Election Commission makes a request. The state budget returns loans
mentioned above and pays interests. Amount of covering such loans is
approved annually according to the law on state budget.

The Central
Election Commission transfers funds required for preparation and conduct
of elections to the Territorial Election Commissions at least 90 days
prior to Election Day, and the TECs distribute them among the Precinct
Election Commissions 10 days prior to Election Day. In case of
additional elections, or if funds have not been transferred in time and
completely, the election commission distributes and transfers funds on
their receipt.

Chairpersons of
election commissions give instructions on how to use this allocated
money for participation and conduct of election and they are responsible
for ensuring that financial records correspond with the decisions of
election commissions and for submission of financial records on
expenses, according to the rules and period defined by this law.

Unused state funds
of the election commissions should be transferred to the account of the
Central Election Commission within at latest 60 days after the election
day for the purposes defined by this law and should remain in this
account. Unused loans are returned to the relevant banks, which
allocated them, by the Central Election Commission at least within three
months after final results of elections are announced officially.

Article 59. Election Funds
of Candidates, Registered Candidates, Political Parties and Blocks of Political
Parties

A candidate
nominated for a single-mandate election district, political parties, and
blocks of political parties, which have nominated a single list of
candidates, are to create specific election funds. Candidates are
included in the single list of candidates, political parties and blocks
of political parties, which have nominated candidates only for a
single-mandate election district, do not create specific election funds.

Election funds of
candidates, and registered candidates nominated for a single-mandate
election district can be organized from:

the personal
funds of candidates and registered candidates--the amount of
personal funds cannot be more than 2000 times the minimum salary
which is in force on the day the election date is determined;

funds of
candidates, political parties which have nominated a registered
candidate, political parties which are included in the block of
political parties--the amount of funds cannot be more than 5000
times the minimum salary which is in force on the day the election
date is determined;

equal funds
allocated for registered candidates and other candidates registered
for single-mandate election district at least 25 days prior to
election day, except the cases defined by this law;

voluntary
donations from citizens (not more than 100 times the minimum salary)
and legal entities (not more than 2000 times the minimum salary).

Maximum limit of
the election fund of the registered candidate cannot be more than 30,000
times the minimum salary as defined for the date the election day is
announced officially; but for the candidates this maximum limit is 5,000
times the minimum salary.

Election funds of
political parties and blocks of political parties can be formed only
from the following funding:

For specific
funds of political parties and blocks of political parties, the
amount of funds cannot be more than 50,000 times the minimum salary
which is in force on the day the election date is determined; (such
funds of blocks of political parties are formed from the funds of
political parties which are included in that block);

funds
allocated for political parties and blocks of political parties by
the Central Election Commission at least 45 days prior to election
day;

voluntary
donations from citizens and legal entities; amount of donations
cannot be more than 150 times the minimum salary for citizens, for
legal entities not more than 5000 times the minimum salary as
defined for the date the election day is determined.

Maximum limit of
the election fund of the political parties and blocks of political
parties cannot be more than 200,000 times the minimum salary as defined
for the date the election day is announced officially.

The following are
prohibited from rendering voluntary donations and assistance to the
funds of candidates, political parties and block of political parties:

foreign
countries and foreign legal entities;

foreigners;

persons
without citizenship;

citizens who
are not 18 years old;

legal entities
of the Azerbaijan Republic; if more than 30% of their capital fund
belongs to the persons mentioned in paragraphs 6.1., 6.2., 6.3. of
this article, for the date the election day is announced;

international
organizations and international movements;

state and
municipal bodies;

state and
municipal organizations and enterprises;

legal
entities, if more than 30% of their capital fund belongs to state or
municipality, for the date the election day is determined;

military
units;

charitable
organizations, religious organizations and associations;

persons who
transfer donations not reporting one of the following pieces of
information or if all information is not accurate:

for citizens:

name, surname,
father’s name;

batch and serial
number of his/her identification document, or a document which
substitutes it, date of issue;

address;

birth date;

for legal entities:

identification
number of taxpayer;

name;

date of
registration;

bank accounts;

if state and
municipal bodies have their shares in its capital fund, if yes –

the amount;

amount of foreign
share.

Registered
candidates, political parties and blocks of political parties have the
right to give instructions on how to use the funds created by
themselves. Election funds should be spent for election purposes. They
can be used only for the following purposes:

to finance
organizational-technical actions regarding collecting signatures in
support of candidates, single lists of candidates, to pay for
signature collectors;

expenses
regarding election campaign works performed by legal and physical
entities.

Candidates,
registered candidates, political parties and blocks of political parties
use money transferred to their election funds account in accordance with
the rules defined by this law, up to Election Day. Candidates,
registered candidates, political parties and blocks of political parties
are prohibited from using other funds (besides the election funds) for
the purposes mentioned in paragraph 7 of this article.

These rules, except
articles 38.3 and 45.8 of this law, do not concern the funds used by the
political parties for their other purposes not related to election campaign.

Article 60. Specific
Election Accounts

A candidate,
nominated for a single-mandate election district, after he/she submits
documents on this to the Territorial Election Commission, or political
parties and blocks of political parties, after they submit documents on
nominating a single list of candidates to the Central Election
Commission, must open specific election account to create election funds
within five days.

Political parties
and blocks of political parties must open a specific election account to
create election funds after they receive copy of single list of
candidates approved by the Central Election Commission, not later than
five days prior to the day they submit single list of candidates to the
Central Election Commission for registration.

A specific
election funds account should be opened by the relevant bank. A
candidate, political parties and blocks of political parties can open
only one specific account. The relevant bank should open specific
accounts for candidates, political parties and blocks of political
parties after they submit all required documents considered and defined
by this law. Bank operations and services for opening bank account are
free. No interest is paid to the bank for use of funds available in a
specific bank account. All funds are transferred in manat to specific
election account.

Specific bank
accounts are opened on the basis of the following documents:

a candidate’s
document provided by the Territorial Election Commission on being
nominated for a single-mandate election district;

approved copy of
lists of registered candidates provided by the Central Election
Commission to political parties and blocks of political parties;

documents
mentioned in articles 34 and 35 of this law.

A candidate can request
another person to open a specific bank account for him/her, according to defined
rules. A candidate, a registered candidate can authorize other persons to use
their funds available in their accounts, informing the Central Election
Commission about it in advance in writing. Political parties and blocks of
political parties open the specific bank accounts after the Central Election
Commission approves a copy of single list of candidates, on the basis of
documents submitted for registration of their authorised representatives on
financial issues. Candidates, registered candidates, political parties and
blocks of political parties are accountable for violation of rules on finance
defined by this law during conduct of election campaign.

If the election
district of the candidate or registered candidate changes, the balance
in the specific bank account should be returned by distributing it
proportionally among the persons or legal entities, which transferred
voluntary donations. After all these, the candidate or registered
candidate must submit a final financial report to the Territorial
Election Commission, and a copy of it to the Territorial Election
Commission. Opening a specific bank account in a new election district
is implemented in accordance with the rules defined by this law.

All financial
operations of registered candidates, political parties and blocks of
political parties with a registered single list of candidates must be
stopped on Election Day.

Bank operations
from the specific bank accounts of a candidate, registered candidate,
political parties and blocks of political parties must be stopped by the
relevant bank in accordance with instructions of the Central Election
Commission if:

documents, defined
by this law, required for registration are not submitted to the relevant
election commission;

registration is
refused;

candidate takes
back his/her application of consent;

candidate
withdraws his/her candidacy;

political parties
and blocks of political parties withdraw their single lists of
candidates;

a decision is made
on canceling registration.

Article 61. Basis for
Prolonging Period for Financial Operations

The Central
Election Commission can prolong the period for financial operations in
the following cases based on a request of a candidate, registered
candidate, a political party and blocks of political party :

for covering
expenses of candidates, political parties and blocks of political
parties, spent for implementation of their activities before they
got refusal of registration; if a candidate withdraws his/her
application on his/her consent to be a candidate; or if a political
party and blocks of political party withdraws his/her candidacy; if
a political party and blocks of political party withdraws single
list of candidates; for covering expenses of work performed before
signature sheets and other documents for registration are submitted
within the period defined by this law;

for covering
expenses spent for implementation of activities before a decision on
cancellation of registration or cancellation of single list of
candidates of the following persons is made:

registered
candidate who has withdrawn his/her candidacy;

political parties
and blocks of political parties which have withdrawn registered single
list of candidates;

registered
candidate whose registration has been canceled;

political parties,
block of political parties, registration of single lists of candidates
of which has been canceled.

other cases,
which require covering the expenses spent for the actions up to the
Election Day by registered candidates, political parties and blocks
of political parties.

Article 62. Voluntary
Donations to Election Funds of Candidates, Registered Candidates, Political
Parties and Blocks of Political Parties

Voluntary
donations to the election funds of candidates, registered candidates,
political parties and blocks of political parties are transferred by the
post-offices and banks. These donations are accepted only from the
citizens of the Azerbaijan Republic and they should contain the
following information about them:

name, surname,
father’s name;

birth date;

address;

batch and serial
number of identification document or a document which substitutes it.

Voluntary
donations of legal entities are received by bank transfer to the
candidate’s registered candidate’s, political parties’ and blocks of
political parties’ accounts recording the following information:

whether legal
entities have state, municipal or foreign share in their capital

its name;

date of
registration, tax identification number;

bank information.

Voluntary
donations of physical and legal entities are transferred to the election
accounts through post offices and banks not later than next banking day
after they receive the relevant payment order. Period for bank transfer
is not more than two days.

Candidates,
registered candidates, political parties, and blocks of political
parties have the right to return any donations, except anonymous ones.
If donations are transferred to the accounts of candidates, registered
candidates, political parties and blocks of political parties by
citizens or legal entities, who do not have right to do that or if
amount of donation is more than the amount required by article 59 of
this law, the candidate, registered candidate, political parties and
blocks of political parties should return the whole amount or a part of
it which exceeds the required amount to the donators within 10 days
after receipt of it, indicating reasons for back transfer and keeping
expenses for transfer. Candidates, registered candidates, political
parties and blocks of political parties are not responsible for not
accepting the donations due to inaccurate information mentioned in
paragraphs 1-2 of this article only when they did not receive the
information about inaccurate documents in time.

Anonymous
donations should be transferred to the state budget by the candidate,
registered candidate, political parties and blocks of political parties
within 10 days after receipt of such donations.

Physical and legal
entities can assist the nomination or election of candidates, registered
candidates, single list of candidates, only by transferring donations to
the relevant election funds. If candidates, registered candidates,
political parties and blocks of political parties and their authorised
representatives on finance do not agree officially, it is prohibited:

to render paid
services regarding the elections;

to sell goods;

to render services
and to cover expenses for that from the election funds.

Legal entities, their
branches, representations and other organizations are prohibited from rendering
assistance free or at a baseless discount regarding the elections. A citizen can
render free, voluntary assistance to the candidates, registered candidates,
political parties and blocks of political parties him/herself, not inviting a
third person during the election campaigning.

Article 63. Reports on
Election Funds

Registration of
opening and spending specific bank accounts, rules for reporting, as
well as rules for collection and expenditure of election funds of
candidates, registered candidates, political parties and blocks of
political parties are defined by the Central Election Commission with an
agreement of National Bank at least 110 days prior to election day. The
candidate, registered candidate, political parties and blocks of
political parties are to register the collection and expenditure of
their election funds. Candidates, registered candidates, political
parties and blocks of political parties submit their financial reports
to the election commissions as follows:

first initial
financial report is submitted to the relevant election commission in
accordance with the rules defined by this law, together with the
required documents for registration; this report contains
information for two days prior to filing.

second initial
financial report is submitted at earliest twenty days and at least
ten days prior to Election Day; this report contains information for
seven days prior to filing.

final
financial report is submitted at latest 30 days after final results
of elections are officially published; final financial report is
attached to the initial financial documents on the collection and
expenditure of election funds.

If a candidate or
registered candidate loses their status that candidate or registered
candidates are responsible for financial reporting. Authorised
representatives on financial affairs of political parties and blocks of
political parties are responsible for financial reports, if they don’t
have such authorised representatives, financial report can be presented
by a person who participates in election campaign in political parties
or blocks of political parties, and who have been authorised to
represent his/her political party.

Copies of
financial reports of registered candidates, political parties and blocks
of political parties which have a registered list of candidates are
published by the relevant election commissions within five days after
their receipt.

The relevant bank
informs the Central Election Commission about the funds entered and
spent from the specific funds of candidates, registered candidates,
political parties and blocks of political parties not less than once a
week; less than 10 days prior to election day – not less than once in
three days. State automated information systems can be used for these
purposes. Relevant Territorial Election Commissions and the Central
Election Commission submit the information on collecting and expenditure
of election funds to the mass media, regularly, not less than once two
weeks up to the election day. The relevant election commission informs
registered candidates, political parties and blocks of political parties
with a registered single list of candidates, about their collection and
expenditure of election funds, provided by the relevant bank, on their
official request.

The periodicals
considered by article 52.2-3 of this law are to publish information on
the receipt and expenditure of funds transferred by relevant election
commissions. The following information is to be published:

about
financial report on use of election funds if the amount is more than
2,000 times the minimum salary in force on the day the election day
is determined, for the political parties and blocks of political
parties; and if the amount is more than 500 times the minimum salary
for the candidates, registered candidates.

about legal
entities which have transferred donation to the election accounts in
amount of 1000 times the minimum salary as defined for the date the
Election Day is determined, for political parties and blocks of
political parties, and 250 times the minimum salary for the
candidates and registered candidates.

about physical
entities who have transferred donation in amount of 50 times the
minimum salary as defined for the date the election day is
determined;

donations
transferred back; reasons of return;

total amount
of funds received and total amount of expenditure.

Relevant executive
authorities submit the following information on legal entities to the
relevant election commissions within five days after the list of legal
entities which have contributed donations to the candidates, political
parties and blocks of political parties is received from the relevant
election commissions:

founders of legal
entity;

whether legal
entity has state, municipal or foreign share;

name of legal
entity;

date of
registration.

This information is
submitted in accordance with format defined by the Central Election Commission.
State automated information system can be used for these purposes. The relevant
election commission provides the candidates, registered candidates, political
parties and blocks of political parties with information received by the
election commission immediately, in accordance with their request. If the
election commission receives information about contribution that violates the
requirements of article 59.6 of this law, the relevant candidate, registered
candidate, political parties and blocks of political parties are informed about
this immediately.

Article 64. Return of
Funds of Candidates, Registered Candidates, Political Parties, Block of
Political Parties

A candidate not
registered by the relevant election commission, political parties and
blocks of political parties with no registered single lists of
candidates are to return unexpended money remaining in the election fund
to the physical and legal entities which have contributed these
donations (excluding transfer expenses). This amount of money should be
distributed among legal and physical entities proportionally.

The following
persons are to return unexpended part of election funds transferred by
the relevant election commission within 30 days after the election day:

a candidate who
participated in the election for in a single-mandate election district
and collected at least 3% of total votes of voters voted (for that
district) or who is elected;

a registered
candidate who withdrew his/her candidacy due to compelling reasons;

a political party
and blocks of political parties which have participated in single
multi-mandate election district and collected 1% of total votes of
electors;

political parties
and block of political parties with a registered single lists of
candidates or which participate in distribution of deputy mandates;

political parties
and block of political parties which have withdrawn their single lists
of candidates due to compelling reasons.

The relevant bank should
transfer this amount mentioned in the letter of the election commission to its
account when this period finishes.

After a registered
candidate, political party and blocks of political parties mentioned in
paragraph 2 of this article returns the funds to the relevant election
commission, he/she transfers back unexpended funding of his/her election
funds to the physical and legal entities following the rules defined by
paragraph 1 of this article. It should be performed with an agreement of
the relevant election commission before the final financial report is
submitted.

A registered
candidate, political parties and blocks of political parties not
considered by paragraph 2 of this article must return all funds and
transport expenses allocated by the relevant election commission within
30 days after the Election Day. After this period finishes the relevant
bank transfers amount mentioned in the election commission’s letter to
its account without any dispute.

Political parties,
block of political parties not considered by paragraph 2 of this article
must pay completely all funds to cover expenditure for free airtime and
space provided to political parties and block of political parties by
TV, radio companies and periodicals considered by article 52.2-3. This
amount should be paid from the election funds of political parties and
blocks of political parties prior to the date the final financial report
is submitted.

After the date the
final results of elections are published officially, the relevant
election commission informs the registered candidates, political parties
and blocks of political parties, which are not considered by paragraph 2
of this article about the sum of funds to be returned. These are funds
transferred to the election funds by the relevant election commission
and budget allocated for transport expenses.

Within three days
after the date the final results of elections are published officially,
the Central Election Commission sends the following documents to the TV,
radio companies and periodicals considered by article 52.2 and 52.3 of
this law:

list of political
parties, block of political parties as well as political parties which
are included in block of political parties mentioned in paragraph 5 of
this article;

their addresses;

verified copies of
joint decisions of block of political parties on covering expenses for
free airtime and space in periodicals.

Within 10 days
after the date the final results of elections are published officially
TV, radio companies and periodicals considered by article 52.2 and 52.3
of this law inform the political parties and blocks of political parties
considered by paragraph 5 of this article as well as political parties
which are included in blocks of political parties about the following:

cost of used free
airtime;

size and cost of
space allocated by the periodicals;

their own legal
address;

bank information.

Cost of free
airtime and space considered by articles 53.5 and 53.6 and 54.4 and 54.5
of this law is determined by multiplying total volume of free airtime
and space provided to political parties and block of political partiesby TV, radio companies and periodicals in accordance with article
53.12 and 54.9 of this law by cost of allocated airtime and space and
cost of space allocated for publishing information. When political
parties and blocks of political parties which have a registered single
list of candidates, use free airtime to conduct joint election campaign
actions considered by article 53.6 of this law, amount of funds returned
by each political parties and blocks of political parties is determined
by dividing total volume of airtime proportionally by the total number
of participants of each joint TV program. If political parties and
blocks of political parties refuse to use free airtime or space in a
periodical in accordance with the rules and period defined by article
53.14 and 53.11 of this law, expenditure for free airtime and space in
periodical is not paid.

Registered
candidates, political parties, block of political parties not considered
by paragraph 2 of this law are prohibited from returning unused
donations to the physical and legal entities that contributed them and
which pay for free airtime and space, until they return funds to the
relevant election commissions. In such cases, first the political
parties and blocks of political parties should return election
commission’s funds. After political parties and blocks of political
parties not considered by paragraph 2 of this article return election
commission’s funds and pay TV, radio companies and periodicals for free
airtime and space, they must return unused donations in their election
funds to the physical and legal entities in accordance with paragraph 1
of this article.

Within 60 days
after the Election Day, the relevant bank should transfer the balance of
the funds in specific bank accounts of candidates, registered
candidates, political parties and blocks of political parties, according
to written instructions of the relevant election commission, to the
state budget.

If registered
candidates, political parties and blocks of political parties do not
have funds or they are short of funds, return of funds to the relevant
election commissions and expenditures for free airtime and space in mass
media must be paid from their own budget. If a block of political
parties is responsible for return of funds or for payment of free
airtime and space in mass media, amount should be distributed
proportionally among the political parties which are included in the
block of political parties up to election day, with a conditions if no
other cases are considered by the joint decision on establishment of a
block of political parties submitted to the Central Election Commission.

A registered
candidate who is not considered by paragraph 2 of this article and who
has not followed requirements of paragraph 4 of this article until
he/she submits a final financial report, and if he/she undertakes to
submit a final financial report and to return the funds, he/she can
return funds to the relevant Territorial Election Commission within 12
months starting from the election day.

If political
parties and blocks of political parties which are not considered by
paragraph 2 of this article and which have not fulfilled requirements of
paragraphs 4 and 5 of this article, before they submit their final
financial report, undertake to return funds to the budget and to pay
expenditures for free airtime and free space, they can be allowed to pay
it within twelve months beginning from the election day.

Funds will be
returned by the court if obligations mentioned in paragraphs 13 and 14
of this article are not performed and if period mentioned in the
obligations for return of funds is finished. If registered candidates,
political parties and block of political parties which are not
considered by paragraph 2 of this article and which do not fulfil the
requirements of paragraphs 12-13 of the current article do not undertake
the obligations mentioned in paragraphs 13-14 of the current article
before financial report is submitted, they will return funds by court
before period for submission of financial report is finished.

If a candidate or
registered candidate loses his/her status, a person who is considered a
candidate and registered candidate are responsible for the obligations
mentioned by this article. Political parties, which participated in
elections as political parties or in blocks of political parties, are
responsible for obligations of political parties and blocks of political
parties considered by this article, after elections finish.

Within 12 months
starting the election day TV, radio companies and periodicals considered
by article 52.2 and 52.3 of this law inform the Central Election
Commission on political parties which have not completely covered
expenditures for free airtime and space considered by paragraph 5 of
this article. Within 12 months starting from the Election Day, the
Territorial Election Commission informs the Central Election Commission
on citizens who are considered by paragraph 4 of this article and who
have not performed their obligations.

The Central
Election Commission provides the Territorial Election Commission with
information on persons who have not performed their obligations and who
are considered by paragraph 4 of this article, within five days after
TECs areformed and after a decision on determination of main,
repeated or additional elections is officially published. Persons, who
have not performed their obligations, do not have rights to get funds
from the relevant election commissions during the main, repeated or
additional elections regardless of what election district they have been
nominated for. A political party which participated in the previous
elections independently or as a member of a block of political parties
considered by paragraphs 4 and 5 of this article and which has debts to
the Central Election Commission for the date next election day is
determined, does not have the right to get funds from the Central
Election Commission and cannot be provided free airtime and space in the
mass media. These rules concern block of political parties which are
established from the political parties mentioned above.

Article 65. Financing
Election Commissions

Funds allocated
for preparation and conduct of elections and for organization of
election commissions’ activities are used by the election commissions
independently for the purposes defined by this law.

The following
election activities are financed from the state budget including balance
of funds from the previous elections:

establishment
of election funds of registered candidates, political parties and
blocks of political parties which have a registered single lists of
candidates, in accordance with the rules and number defined by this
law;

transport
expenditures and compensations paid for candidates registered for a
single-mandate election district in accordance with article 46 of
this law;

to pay
salaries for members of election commissions who have decisive
voting rights, employees of election commissions or part-time
employees who work on the basis of civil contract;

transport
expenditures, as well as transport expenditures in remote districts;

transportation
and security of election documents;

development of
election systems, voters education and election organizers’
education and implementation of purposed programs in this field;

payment of
business trips and other expenses regarding the elections; other
expenses regarding powers and functions of election commissions.

Average monthly
salary of election commission member with a casting vote who is released
from his/her employment during the preparation and conduct of elections
should remain with his/her employer at his/her main working place. They
are paid additional salary by the relevant election commission in
accordance with rules and amount defined by the Central Election
Commission.

Rules for transfer
of money allocated by the Central Election Commission for other election
commissions, report, registration, opening and closing bank accounts are
defined by the Central Election Commission together with the National
Bank at least ninety days prior to Election Day. The bank does not
charge election commissions for opening a bank account and for
conducting bank operations. No interest is paid for use of these
accounts. Election commissions conduct financial records of expenditure
of funds allocated from the state budget.

The Central
Election Commission together with the National Bank defines the samples
of following documents at least ninety days prior to election day:

financial reports
of election commissions on receipt and expenditure of funds allocated
for preparation and conduct of elections;

candidates’,
registered candidates, political parties’, blocks of political parties’
document on receipt and expenditure of funds of election funds.

The Precinct
Election Commission submits its financial report on receipt and
expenditure of election funds allocated from the state budget to the
Territorial Election Commission within three days after the Election
Day.

The Territorial
Election Commission submits a financial report on receipt and
expenditure of funds allocated from the state budget to the Central
Election Commission within 10 days after the Election Day.

The Territorial
Election Commission submits information on receipt and expenditure of
election funds of candidates and registered candidates to the Central
Election Commission within 10 days after final results of elections for
single-mandate election district are officially published.

The Central
Election Commission provides the President of the Azerbaijan Republic,
the Milli Majlis and the mass media with the following information
within three months after official results of elections are published:

use of budget;

use of election
funds by candidates, registered candidates,;

expenditure of
election funds of political parties and blocks of political parties.

Information mentioned
above should be published by the official press of the Central Election
Commission starting the date it submitted this information to the President of
the Azerbaijan Republic and to the Milli Majlis.

Article 66. Control and
Inspection Services of Election Commissions

The Central
Election Commission and the Territorial Election Commissions create a
control and inspection service to ensure:

the control of
expenditure of funding allocated for election purposes;

correct
registration and use of election funds;

sources of
funding.

Control and
Inspection service includes the following:

head of the
control and inspection service;

election
commission members appointed to that service, experts invited from
the government, National Bank and other organizations and
institutions.

According to the request
of relevant election commissions, bodies mentioned above should send relevant
specialists to the Central Election Commission at least for five months and to
the Territorial Election Commission at least for 4 months after the publication
of decision on determination of Election Day.

When experts
invited to the control and inspection service are temporarily released
from their employment, their salaries and other payments will be
preserved in their permanent working place and they are paid additional
salary from the relevant election commission in accordance with the
rules and amount defined by the Central Election Commission.

The Central
Election Commission approves the statute on the control and inspection
service. The relevant election commissions implement activities
regarding the organizational, legal, material and technical insurance of
the control and inspection service.

The control and
inspection service has the following rights to control:

receipt of funding
to the election funds of candidates, registered candidates, political
parties and blocks of political parties;

inspects
financial reports of candidates, registered candidates, political
parties and blocks of political parties and subordinate election
commissions;

obtains
information on all issues within its powers from the candidates,
registered candidates, political parties and blocks of political
parties and election commissions;

obtains
necessary information on issues concerning this service and finance
of elections from the executive authorities, municipalities,
organizations and citizens; requests of control and inspection
service should be answered within ten days, but five days prior to
election day and on election day – immediately;

prepares
documents on financial violations occurred during the finance of
elections;

raises a
matter with the relevant election commission on implementation of
measures of accountability for the violations occurred during
finance of elections by physical and legal entities, candidates,
registered candidates, political parties and blocks of political
parties;

invites
experts for conducting investigations and for preparing expert
considerations.

CHAPTER X.
VOTING AND DETERMINATION
OF VOTING RESULTS

Article 67. Voting Station

The relevant
executive body or municipality allocates voting station premises to the
Precinct Election Commission free of charge.

There must be a
hall with ballot box, voting compartments and other equipment for secret
ballot in the voting station. Or voting compartments equipped with
light, desk and pens for secret ballot.

The Precinct
Election Commission places a notice board inside the voting station or
in front of it with the following:

samples of ballot
papers;

information on
political parties and blocks of political parties which have a
registered single lists of candidates;

following
information about all candidates registered for a single-mandate
election district:

name, surname;

date of birth;

education;

main working
(serving) place and occupation (type of activity);

address;

who has nominated
him/her.

If a registered candidate
or a candidate included in the single list of candidates had been sentenced and
it is not served or canceled, name and number of relevant article of the
Criminal Code should be recorded in abovementioned information. If a candidate
had executed an action which requires accountability in foreign country where
he/she lives, the name of the relevant law should be recorded as well.

Single lists of candidates
registered by the Central Election Commission should be displayed in the voting
station. Samples ballot papers must not contain actual names, surnames of
registered candidates and candidates included in the single list of candidates
or actual names of political parties and blocks of political parties.
Information on candidates, political parties and blocks of political parties
appears in the same order that it appears in ballot paper. These notice boards
should contain information on accountability for violation of citizens’
suffrage. All of this should be displayed in the voting station in a convenient
place for voters to have access to it.

Samples of
protocols that are larger than normal format should be displayed in the
voting station for recording information on voting results, from time
the voting commences.

Voting stations
should be located in places that have a place for issuing ballot papers,
voting compartments, other voting places and ballot boxes that are
easily accessible to the commission members and observers and where they
may easily observe the processes.

Ballot boxes
should be prepared in such way to have an access to observe whether it
is full after it has been sealed. There must be separate ballot boxes
for both – single-mandate and multi-mandate election districts.

Article 68. Ballot Papers

Rules for
preparation of ballot papers, their number and requirements for
preparation of ballot papers are approved by the Central Election
Commission at least 35 days prior to Election Day.

Ballot papers are
prepared for single-mandate and multi-mandate election districts. Ballot
papers for single-mandate and multi-mandate election districts should
differ. The content of the ballot paper can be printed on one side only.

Ballot paper for
the single multi-mandate election district, as defined by the lottery,
should contain short names of political parties and blocks of political
parties and their emblems in the same colour. In such cases, abbreviated
names of political parties which are included in the block of political
parties should be recorded. The Central Election Commission conducts
lottery at least 36 days prior to Election Day. Authorised
representatives of political parties and blocks of political parties
should be present in the process of lottery. Number received by the
political parties and blocks of political parties should be kept till
the end of elections. Names, surnames, patronymic’s of first three
candidates nominated by political parties and blocks of political
parties should be placed under the names of political parties and blocks
of political parties.

To the right hand
side of the names of political parties and blocks of political parties,
there must be a blank box. To the end of the list of political parties
and block of political parties, at the blank box, which is on the right
side, there must be a line containing "against all single lists of
candidates".

A ballot paper for
a single-mandate election district should contain the following
information on the candidates in alphabetical order:

name, surname,
father’s name, nickname;

date of birth;

address;

main working or
serving place (if he/she does not have them - type of activity);

if he/she has an
elected position in state and municipal bodies;

who has nominated
him/her.

The ballot paper should
also contain candidate’s party affiliation, that party’s short name, if the
candidate has been registered in accordance with the article 35 of this law. The
ballot paper can contain the registered candidate’s party affiliation on his/her
own consent, if the candidate has been registered in accordance with the article
34 of this law. To the right hand side of the information on each registered
candidate there must be a blank box.

To the end of the
list of all registered candidates at the blank box, which is on the
right side, there must be a line containing "against all candidates".

Each ballot paper
should contain instructions on how to complete it.

The ballot paper
is printed in the national language. At the same time the ballot paper
can be printed in a language which population mostly use.

The ballot papers
are printed at least 22 days prior to Election Day in accordance with
instructions of the Central Election Commission, with observation of its
members. Number of prepared ballot papers should not exceed the number
of voters registered for single-mandate and single multi-mandate
election districts by more than 3%.

The printing
company sorts the defected from the usable ballot papers and prepares a
document reporting how many ballots were in each category and then
transfers usable ballot papers to the authorised representatives of
election commission in accordance with the act which contains the number
of ballot papers, date and time of transfer. After the ballot papers are
transferred in accordance with request, defected and extra ballot papers
are destroyed and a report on this, with signatures of all participants,
is prepared. Members of relevant election commissions, registered
candidates, authorised representatives and agents of political parties
and blocks of political parties, as well as persons considered by
article 26.1 of this law can observe the process mentioned above. The
relevant election commissions should inform the registered candidates,
authorised representatives of political parties, and blocks of political
parties about the place and time of the accept-transfer of usable ballot
papers.

The Central
Election Commission, after it receives ballot papers from the printing
company, prepares a document which contains the quantity of ballot
papers, date and time of transfer, with the participation of chairperson
and secretaries of relevant Territorial Election Commissions not later
than 20 days prior to election day and then transfers the ballot papers
to the chairperson. The quantity of ballot papers to be transferred to
the Precinct Election Commissions is determined by the Territorial
Election Commission. The Territorial Election Commission transfers
ballot papers to the Precinct Election Commissions four days prior to
Election Day in accordance with abovementioned manner. The quantity of
ballot papers transferred to the Precinct Election Commission cannot be
more than 90% of voters included in the voters list for the date ballot
papers are transferred, or cannot exceed it by less than 0.5%. On each
ballot paper, in the top right hand corner on the main face of the
ballot paper, the stamp of the Precinct Election Commission must be
apparent.

Chairpersons who
transfer, receive and secure the ballot papers are responsible for
transferring and preserving the ballot papers.

If, after the
ballot papers have been produced, a candidate withdraws his/her
candidacy or his/her registration is canceled, or if some political
parties or blocks of political parties withdraw their single lists of
candidates, the Territorial or Precinct Election Commissions cross names
of candidates or political parties and blocks of political parties in
accordance with the request of election commissions which have a
registered single list of candidates. If in case of need to add
information about candidate, political parties and blocks of political
parties to the ballot paper, or to make some changes, only members of
the Territorial or Precinct Election Commissions can add information or
make changes in handwriting verifying it with a stamp of the relevant
commission, with agreement of the CEC.

Only in
exceptional cases, precincts established on ships sailing on Election
Day, or precincts in remote districts are allowed to prepare election
documents and ballot papers, if these precincts have technical
possibilities. With an agreement of the Central Election Commission, the
relevant Territorial Election Commission makes a decision on preparation
of election documents, showing number of copies to be printed.

On Election Day,
after voting finishes, the Territorial Election Commission cancels
unused ballot papers and prepares an act on it. Persons considered by
article 26.5 of this law can be present in the process mentioned above.
Secretary of the commission preserves canceled ballot papers together
with other documents of the commission.

Article 69.
De-registration Card for Voting

At least 60 days
prior to election day, the Central Election Commission approves the
format, rules for preparation, number, register-format
requirements for preparation of de-registration card (hereafter referred
to as voting card). Voting cards are transferred to the subordinate
election commissions in accordance with the rules defined for
transferring of ballot papers. Chairpersons of the relevant election
commissions are responsible for transfer and registration of voting
cards.

A voter who cannot
vote in the voting station where he/she is included in the voters list
on the election day, can get a voting card from the relevant Territorial
Election Commission (45-25 days prior to elections day) or from the
Precinct Election Commission (24-1 days prior to election day).
According to this card, a voter can vote in the precinct where he/she is
on the Election Day.

A voting card is
issued to the voter based on his/her request, or to his/her
representative based on power of attorney verified by the notary office.
Voters request should contain reasons for application. If a voter is in
hospital or jail, the power of attorney can be verified by the managers
of those organizations and places.

The Territorial
Election Commission prepares the register of the voting cards. This
register contains the following information about the voter who receives
a voting card:

surnames, names,
fathers’ names;

date of birth;

address.

25 days prior to Election
Day the Territorial Election Commission transfers to the PEC the approved
extract from the abovementioned register together with the voters lists. The
Precinct Election Commission can make relevant notes on the voters list based on
these extracts.

A voter or voter’s
representative signs in the register (in the Territorial Election
Commission) or on the voters list (in the Precinct Election Commission)
upon receipt of the de-registration card recording the batch and serial
number of their identification document or of a substitute document.
Based on this, a voter’s name is then crossed out from the voters list
of the relevant election commission. He/she is not considered while
counting the number of registered votes and he/she is not included in
the relevant protocol of this voting precinct.

A voting card
should be verified by the stamp of election commission that issues it.
This voting card should contain the signature of a member of the
Territorial or Precinct Election Commissions that issued it.

On presenting the
voting card, a voter should be included in the relevant voters list of
the relevant voting station. After this voting card should be given to
the relevant election commission. When a voter is issued a ballot paper,
he/she records his/her address on the voters list additionally.

On the Election
Day, before voting starts, right hand corners of unused voting cards are
cut and a relevant document is prepared on it.

Article 70. Voting Rules

Voting is
conducted from 8.00 hours to 19.00 hours on Election Day. Precinct
Election Commissions must inform voters by mass media or other means of
the voting station location and the hours of voting, at least 20 days
prior to Election Day.

Precinct Election
Commissions established on the ships which sail under the flag of the
Azerbaijan Republic, military units or remote areas, if all voters
registered in the voters list for the Precinct Election Commission have
voted, can announce that voting has finished before the scheduled
closing time.

If a voter cannot
attend the voting station on election day, due to his/her health or
other valid reasons, he/she may inform the Precinct Election Commission,
at least 24 hours prior to election day, of his/her wish to vote using
the mobile ballot box. The Territorial Election Commission may permit
the conducting of voting on the ships which sail under the flag of the
Azerbaijan Republic or which is on expedition on election day and other
remote places not earlier than 10 days prior to election day.

The Precinct
Election Commission chairperson announces the voting station is open at
07.00 hours [to allow for preparation of the voting station; voting
commences at 08:00 hours] shows empty ballot boxes to the commission
members, voters who are present there, observers and then seals them;
then requests Precinct Election Commission members to commence the
voting process.

Each voter
receives two ballot papers – for single multi-mandate election district
and for single-mandate election district. A voter records his/her ID, or
other document which substitutes it, series and number on the voters
list after he/she receives a ballot paper. Series and number of ID or
other substitute document are recorded on the voters list by the
Precinct Election Commission member. The voter checks the record and
signs if it is correct. If the voter cannot receive his/her ballot paper
without help, he/she may ask another person, except for Precinct
Election Commission members and observers, for assistance. The person
who assisted the voter to receive the ballot paper writes his/her
surname and signs on the voters list in a special column "Signature on
receipt of voter’s ballot paper".

When a voter is
given a ballot paper, the left corner of the ballot paper is cut off,
signed and retained by the Precinct Election Commission member.

Each voter votes
personally and individually. It is not allowed to vote for other people.
The ballot paper is completed in a special secret ballot voting
compartment, which is equipped with special equipment. If a voter cannot
complete the ballot paper himself/herself, he/she can ask any other
person, except for Precinct Election Commission member and observers, to
assist him/her in the voting compartment. That person’s surname is shown
in the voters list together with voter’s signature for receiving the
ballot paper.

The voter marks a
blank box located to the right of the political parties and blocks of
political parties withthe list of candidates for which he/she
has voted for in the single multi-mandate election district, or "against
single list of all candidates". In a single-mandate election district, a
voter marks a single box to the right of the last name of a candidate
who he/she is voting for or the box located to the right of the title
"against all candidates". The voter places the completed ballot paper in
the ballot boxes in the designated single-mandate election district or
multi-mandate election district ballot boxes.

Ballot boxes are
positioned in the voting station so that observers and Precinct Election
Commission members have an unobstructed view of them.

The Precinct
Election Commission should give all voters the opportunity to vote,
including those who requested a mobile ballot box due to their health or
other valid reasons defined by the Central Election Commission. To
enable this, there must be one mobile ballot box in the voting station.
The request to use a mobile ballot box sent by a voter to the Precinct
Election Commission must be verified again in writing by the voter at
the time of voting, in the presence of not less than two Precinct
Election Commission members, and observers. If a voter did not make a
written request for a mobile ballot box, he/she must make an application
in the presence of Precinct Election Commission members. The voter
records the receipt of his/her ballot paper in the request and verifies
this with his/her signature. The application must contain the same
information about the voter as appears in the voters list. Precinct
Election Commission members who accompany the mobile ballot box should
take the number of ballot papers equal to the number of requests. The
number of used and returned ballot papers from voters requesting a
mobile ballot box must be recorded in a separate document. At the same
time, the voters voting using the mobile ballot box are marked on the
voters list. After the mobile ballot box is returned by the Precinct
Election Commission members to the voting station, it is not opened
until vote counting commences. Mobile ballot box voting must be
organized so that there are no violations of the voter’s right to vote
or the requirements for a secret ballot and not influencing the voter’s
choice.

The Precinct
Election Commission chairperson controls adherence to the rules within
the voting station. All persons in the voting station must follow
his/her directions. If a Precinct Election Commission chairperson is
absent, his/her deputy assumes the chairperson’s powers. If the deputy
is also not available, the chairperson’s powers are assumed by the
secretary, another commission member who is authorised for that. Any
Precinct Election Commission member, who tries to influence a voter or
violates the rules of the secret ballot, is dismissed from his/her job
immediately. Persons mentioned in article 26.1 and 26.2 who breach these
rules are removed immediately from the voting station. The Precinct
Election Commission decides these matters.

Persons other than
voters who are voting, commission members and persons mentioned in
article 26.1 and 26.6 cannot be present in the voting station. State
officials are prohibited to be present in the voting station, except
when they are voting. Officials of the executive authority can be
present if they preserve law and order in the voting station or relevant
specialists if they solve some technical problems, if they are invited
by the chairperson of the Precinct Election Commission and they must
leave the voting station immediately after they finish to perform their
duties.

If a voter
realizes that he/she has made an error in marking his/her ballot paper,
he/she can ask for a new ballot paper from the commission member who
issued the original ballot paper. In this case the Precinct Election
Commission member cancels the spoiled ballot paper by cutting it from
the middle, puts it in a separate envelope, gives him/her a new ballot
paper and makes the necessary note to the right of the voters surname on
the voters list. Later, a separate document is prepared recording this.

Article 71. Counting the
Votes in the Voting Station

When voting hours
end, the Precinct Election Commission chairperson announces loudly:
"only voters who have already received ballot papers and those in the
voting compartments (booth) can vote." Before opening the ballot box,
Precinct Election Commission members count and cancel unused ballot
papers in the presence of observers in the voting station. The number of
unused ballot papers is announced and recorded in the final protocol of
voting results. At the same time, the number of signatures of voters who
have received ballot papers is recorded in the final protocol on results
of voting. The Precinct Election Commission chairperson then examines
the stamps and seals of the ballot boxes shows these to the Precinct
Election Commission members and observers and opens the ballot boxes.

Ballot boxes are
opened one by one: first the mobile ballot box, then the ballot box in
the voting station. Ballot papers in the mobile ballot box are counted
first. Their number must not exceed the number of requests. When
counting ballot papers from the mobile ballot box, if the number of
ballot papers is more than the number of requests, then all ballot
papers in the mobile ballot box are considered to be invalid by decision
of the Precinct Election Commission. A report (an act) on this, which
includes a list of the surnames of the commission members that
accompanied the mobile ballot box, is attached to the final protocol.

When counting the
votes, the following types of ballot papers are separated: ballot papers
of indeterminate form [or falsified, ballots that are unofficially
produced], ballot papers that have not been verified by the Precinct
Election Commission [lacking stamp and/or signature], and ballot papers
which are considered to be invalid.

If the voting
intention of the voter is clear, the ballot paper is valid. If it is
difficult to determine the intention of the voter in the ballot paper,
if more than one box is marked or if the ballot is not marked at all,
the ballot paper is considered to be invalid. If there are doubts about
the validity of a ballot paper, the Precinct Election Commission votes
to determine if the ballot paper is considered valid. If a decision is
made to consider the ballot paper invalid, reasons for the decision are
recorded on the reverse side of the ballot paper. This record must be
approved by the signatures of chairperson and secretary of the Precinct
Election Commission. Invalid ballot papers are packed separately.

Counting of votes
by the Precinct Election Commission chairperson, with the participation
of Precinct Election Commission members, continues without a break until
the count is finished. All Precinct Election Commission members and
observers are advised of the results of voting.

The Precinct
Election Commission prepares two protocols on voting results: protocol
#1 for single mandate election district and protocol #2 for single
multi-mandate election district. Both protocols contain the following
information on the voting results:

total number
of voters on the voters list (including in separate line – number of
voters on the supplementary list);

number of
ballot papers transferred to the Precinct Election Commission;

number of
ballot papers issued to the voters in the voting station on election
day;

number of
ballot papers issued to the voters who requested use of the mobile
ballot box;

number of
ballot papers canceled;

number of
ballot papers inside the ballot box in the voting station (except
ballot papers not in the defined form);

number of
valid ballot papers;

number of
ballot papers inside the mobile ballot box (except ballot papers not
in the defined form);

number of
invalid ballot papers (including in separate line – ballot papers
not in the defined form and blank ballot papers).

The following
additional information is recorded in the protocol #1:

names,
surnames, fathers’ names of the candidates who appear on the ballot
papers, and abovementioned are the same, additional information
about them;

the number of
votes cast for each candidate;

the number of
votes cast against all candidates;

number of
voters who have been issued ballot papers.

The following
additional information is recorded in the protocol #2:

names of
political parties and blocks of political parties which appear on
the ballot papers;

the number of
votes cast for the single list of candidates of each political party
and blocks of political parties;

the number of
votes cast against the single lists of candidates of all blocks;

number of
voters who have been issued ballot papers.

Number of voters
who have voted with a voting card is added to the number of voters who
appear on the voters list of the precinct (number of voters who have
been issued voting card from this precinct is not included).

The final protocol
on voting results is completed in three copies (using carbonized paper)
in the voting station, with the participation of Precinct Election
Commission members and in the presence of observers, and is signed by
all Precinct Election Commission members with decisive voting right
after completing of protocol is finalized. If a Precinct Election
Commission member does not agree with the protocol or some parts of it,
he/she can add his/her opinion to the protocol, and this is noted in the
protocol. It is prohibited to complete a protocol on voting results in
pencil or to make corrections on it.

If a superior
election commission has doubts about the protocol from a Precinct
Election Commission, it can make a decision on recounting the votes in
that voting station. Votes are recounted by the Precinct Election
Commission with the participation of superior election commission
members.

First copies of
each protocol should be transferred to the Territorial Election
Commission and the following attachments:

complaints
(applications) about violations of this law received by the Precinct
Election Commission and decisions made by the Precinct Election
Commission with respect to these complaints and applications;

a document on
receipt of ballot papers by the Precinct Election Commission;

a document on
canceling the unused ballot papers (recording their number);

a document on
issuing voting cards and on canceling unused voting cards (recording
their number);

a document on the
number of torn off left corners of the ballot papers;

a document on the
number of spoiled ballot papers mentioned in the article 70.13.

All documents mentioned
above should be signed by the chairperson and secretary of the Precinct Election
Commission. Verified copies of complaints (applications), decisions of Precinct
Election Commissions and acts mentioned above are attached to the second copy of
the protocol.

The second copy of
each protocol, the packaged and sealed ballot papers, the torn off left
corners of these ballot papers, torn off pieces of spoiled ballot
papers; the list of persons mentioned in article 26.1 and 26.5 who
observed the count, are preserved by the secretary of the Precinct
Election Commission until the Precinct Election Commission has finished
its activity.

The Precinct
Election Commission signs and sends the first copy of the protocol to
the relevant Territorial Election Commission within 24 hours after
Election Day.

The third copies
of each protocol on results of elections are displayed on the board [at
the precinct] for general information.

If a Precinct
Election Commission member with a decisive voting right does not agree
with the protocol or some parts of it, he/she can add his/her opinion to
the protocol, and this is noted in the protocol.

Election documents
and ballot papers must be sent to the relevant Territorial Election
Commission not later than 10 days after election results are officially
announced.

Precinct Election
Commissions established outside of the Azerbaijan Republic send the
first copy of the protocol on voting results with the documents attached
to it to the Territorial Election Commission defined by the Central
Election Commission within three days (starting from Election Day).

If the Precinct
Election Commission finds mistakes or inaccuracies in the protocol after
it has been signed, this matter should be discussed in its meeting.
Persons mentioned in the article 26.2 of this law should be informed
about the date and time and place of the meeting. A new protocol should
be completed. This new protocol should contain the word "repeated" and
send to the Territorial Election Commission immediately.

The Territorial
Election Commission summarizes all information based on the first copy
of the protocol #1 of Precinct Election Commissions on voting results
(after the accuracy has been verified) and determines the results of the
election in single-mandate area and final results of voting in single
multi-mandate election districts. Summarizing the information from the
protocol #1 of the Precinct Election Commission should be done
continuously until protocol #1 of the Territorial Election Commission is
completed. Summarizing the information from protocols of Precinct
Election Commission on voting results is performed directly by the
Territorial Election Commission members who have the decisive voting
right.

The Territorial
Election Commission can consider the elections void in the following
circumstances:

if less than
25% of voters included in the voters list up to the end of elections
record their votes;

if the number
of votes cast for a candidate who has recorded the most votes is
less than the number of votes cast against the all candidates.

if votes cast
for registered candidates are tied.

The Territorial
Election Commission considers the elections in the single-mandate
election districts to be invalid in the following circumstances:

it is
impossible to determine the voter’s will due to violations occurred
during the conduct of voting or during the determination of results
of voting;

if number of
voting stations results of which are canceled is more than ¼ of all
voting stations within the relevant territory;

on the basis
of court’s decision.

The Territorial
Election Commission completes a protocol #1 on the results of elections
in single-mandate election district on the basis of protocols #1
provided by the Precinct Election Commissions. This protocol contains
the following:

number of Precinct
Election Commissions;

number of
protocols #1 provided by these Precinct Election Commissions (protocols
which the Territorial Election Commission based on while completing its
protocol);

summary of
information mentioned in the paragraph 6 and 7 of article 71 of this law
and from protocols #1 provided by the Precinct Election Commissions;

names, surnames
and fathers’ names of candidates elected as a deputy.

Candidates who
record the most votes of the voters who have participated in the
elections are considered to be elected from the single-mandate election
district.

The Territorial
Election Commission completes a protocol #2 on results of voting in the
single multi-mandate election district part of which is within the
territory of the single-mandate area, based on the protocols #2 of the
Precinct Election Commissions. This protocol contains:

number of Precinct
Election Commissions;

number of PEC
protocols #2 which the TEC used while completing its protocol #2;

summary of
information mentioned in the article 71.6 and 71.8 of this law and from
the PEC protocols #2.

Summarizing the
information from the protocol #2 of the Precinct Election Commission should be
done continuously until protocol #2 of the Territorial Election Commission is
completed.

The protocols #1
and #2 of the Territorial Election Commission are completed in three
copies [triplicate] and are signed by the members of this commission
with a decisive voting right. First copies of each protocol should be
transferred to the Central Election Commission immediately and it should
be attached the followings:

complaints
(applications) about violations of this law received on election day by
the Territorial Election Commission and decisions made by the
Territorial Election Commission with respect to these complaints and
applications;

a document on
receipt of ballot papers by the Territorial Election Commission;

a document on
canceling the unused ballot papers (recording their number);

a document on
issuing voting cards and on canceling unused voting cards (recording
their number).

All documents mentioned
above should be signed by the chairperson and secretary of the Territorial
Election Commission. Verified copies of complaints (applications), decisions of
Territorial Election Commissions and acts mentioned above are attached to the
second copy of the protocol.

The second copy of
each protocol, the packaged and sealed ballot papers, the torn off left
corners of these ballot papers, the list of persons mentioned in article
26.1 and 26.5 who observed the count, are preserved by the secretary of
the Territorial Election Commission until the Territorial Election
Commission has finished its activity.

The third copy of
each protocol is displayed on a relevant board for general information
[for the public].

If a Territorial
Election Commission member with a decisive voting right does not agree
with the protocol or some parts of it, he/she can add his/her opinion to
the protocol, and this is noted in the protocol.

If the Territorial
Election Commission finds mistakes or inaccuracies in the protocol after
it has been signed, this matter should be discussed in its meeting.
Persons mentioned in the article 26.2 of this law should be informed
about the date and time of the meeting. A new protocol should be
completed. This new protocol should contain the word "repetition" and
send to the Central Election Commission immediately.

If the Territorial
Election Commission finds any mistakes, inadmissible corrections or
differences in the protocols (including other documents) provided by the
Precinct Election Commissions, it can make a decision on recounting the
votes in the relevant precinct. Votes are recounted with the
participation of the Territorial Election Commission members who have
the decisive voting right. Persons mentioned in the article 26.2 of this
law are informed in advance about the recount. A relevant protocol is
completed on recount of votes and this protocol is recorded "recount of
votes".

Article 73. Determination
of Results of Voting in the Single Multi-Mandate Election districts

Within 5 days
after the polling day the Central Election Commission summarizes all
information from the first copies of protocols #2 on the voting results
(after the accuracy has been verified) of the Precinct Election
Commissions and determines the results of election in the single
multi-mandate election district. Summary of information from the
protocols of the Territorial Election Commissions is performed directly
and continuously by the CEC members with a decisive voting right.

The number of
voters participating in the elections in a single multi-mandate election
district is determined on the basis of number of ballot papers which are
in the determined form, inside of the ballot box.

Political parties
and blocks of political parties can get a mandate only if 6% of voters
participating in the elections through the valid ballot papers have
voted for the single list of candidates nominated by them.

Using the quota
and remainder method, mandates are distributed among the political
parties and blocks of political parties proportionally, based on votes
collected by political parties and blocks of political parties. Firstly,
the number of votes required for the election quota, i.e. for receiving
one mandate, is determined by dividing the total number of voters, who
voted through the valid ballot papers, by the number of mandates for the
multi-mandate district. Then, the number of votes cast for the single
list of candidates nominated by political parties and blocks of
political parties is divided by the election quota and the resulting
number shows the number of mandates for each party. The remaining
mandates are distributed based on the method of the highest remainder,
that is, they are distributed consecutively by one to the single lists
of candidates with most remaining votes after the previously described
division.

Candidates in a
single list receive mandates based on their position in the list shown
by the political parties and blocks of political parties.

A candidate who
has the right to receive a mandate can refuse to accept it. An
application on refusal of receiving a mandate cannot be withdrawn. In
such cases a mandate is given to the candidate whose name appears in the
single list of candidates, whose name comes immediately after the name
of a candidate who refused to receive a mandate and who was not
considered to be given a mandate.

The Central
Election Commission considers the elections to be void in the single
multi-mandate election district in the following circumstances:

if less than 25%
of voters have participated in the elections in multi-mandate election
district or

if none of the
political parties and blocks of political parties could collect more
than 6% of the votes.

The Central
Election Commission considers the elections to be invalid in the single
multi-mandate election district in the following circumstances:

if violations
occurred during the conduct of voting or during the determination of
the voting results, make it unclear as to what the will of the
voters was;

if in more
than ¼ of single-mandate election district the election results have
been canceled in more than ¼ of the voting stations within the
relevant district;

on the basis
of court’s decision.

The Central
Election Commission includes the following information in the protocol
on distribution of deputy mandates in the single multi-mandate election
district among the political parties and blocks of political parties:

number of
Territorial Election Commissions in the Azerbaijan Republic;

number of
protocols #2, which the CEC used, provided by the Territorial Election
Commission;

summary of
information mentioned in paragraphs 6 and 8 of article 71 of this law
and information from the protocols #2 of the TEC;

names of political
parties and blocks of political parties which participate in the
distribution of mandates, and number of votes given for the single list
of candidates nominated by each of them;

name, surname,
father’s name of each candidate elected as a deputy.

This protocol of the
Central Election Commission is signed by members of the commission who have
decisive voting rights. A table which contains the complete results of elections
in single multi-mandate election district is attached to the protocol.

If a commission
member with a decisive voting right does not agree with the protocol or
some parts of it, he/she can add his/her opinion to the protocol, and
this is noted in the protocol. Complaints (applications) received by the
Central Election Commission on violations of the requirements of this
law and decisions made on them are attached to this protocol.

Approved copies of
the protocol and summarized table are submitted to the following
persons:

all Central
Election Commission members;

persons mentioned
in the article 26.1 and 26.5 of this law who were present while
determining the results of elections in multi-mandate election district;

If mistakes,
inadmissible corrections or differences are found in the protocol or
summarizing table of the Central Election Commission after they are
approved, the Central Election Commission must discuss the matter on
making changes to the protocol and table in its meeting. Persons
mentioned in the article 26.2 of this law, members of the CEC who
participated in completing the protocol and observers (including
representatives of mass media) are informed about the place and time of
the meeting in advance.

If the Central
Election Commission finds any mistakes, inadmissible corrections or
differences in the protocols (including other documents) provided by the
Territorial Election Commissions, it can make a decision on recounting
the votes in the relevant territory. Votes are recounted with the
participation of the Central Election Commission members who have the
decisive voting rights. Persons mentioned in the article 26.2 of this
law are informed in advance about the recount. A relevant protocol is
completed on recount of votes and this protocol is recorded as "recount
of votes".

Article 74. Determination
of General Results of Elections

The Central
Election Commission determines general results of elections within ten
days, starting from Election Day, based on the protocols on
determination of results of elections in single multi-mandate election
district and on distribution of deputy mandates and the protocols #1 of
the Territorial Election Commissions.

The Central
Election Commission considers the results of elections to be invalid in
the single-mandate election districts if it cannot determine voters’
wills due to violations occurred during the conduct of voting or during
the determination of voting results.

Article 75. Check and
Approval of Results of Elections

According to the
article 85 of the Constitution, the Constitutional Court of the
Azerbaijan Republic checks and approves the results of the elections.

The Central
Election Commission submits protocols #1 and #2 (together with documents
attached to the protocol in accordance with this law) of the Territorial
Election Commissions, its own decision on determination of election
results in single multi-mandate election district to the Constitutional
Court at latest 10 days after election day.

After the
Constitutional Court receives documents mentioned above, it enlists
specialists and checks if they answer the requirement of this law within
10 days period.

If TEC protocols
and documents attached to them and the relevant protocol of the CEC
answer the requirement of this law, the Constitutional Court approves
the results of elections.

If complete
results of elections are not approved, new elections should be
determined in accordance with the article 5 of this law.

If election
returns in the single multi-mandate election district; or in more than ¼
of the single-mandate election district; or the election results in asingle-mandate election district are not approved, repeat elections
are determined in accordance with the article 76 of this law.

Article 76. Repeated
Elections

The Central
Election Commission conducts repeat elections in accordance with this
law if:

elections are
considered void or invalid in the relevant election district, based on
the article 72, 73 and 74;

results of
elections are not approved or canceled according to articles 75.6. and
85.4 of this law.

The repeated elections
should be conducted not later than 90 days after the initial elections, or not
later than 60 days after the elections have been announced void or invalid.
During the repeat elections, election time schedules can be shortened in half.
In such cases, the Central Election Commission can prolong activity period of
Territorial and Precinct Election Commissions or can reform them in accordance
with the articles 19-20 of this law. If repeat elections have been considered
void based on article 72.2 of this law, other repeat elections can be conducted
in the same district no later than a year after the last repeated elections.

During repeated
elections, a deputy of the Milli Majlis cannot nominate himself/herself
as a candidate.

Article 77. Registration
of Deputies Elected to Milli Majlis

The relevant
election commission informs the candidate elected as a deputy
immediately after it signs the protocol on results of elections. Within
at most 25 days the candidates elected as deputies should submit to the
relevant election commission a copy of the order to release a position
incompatible with his/her deputy status considered in paragraph 2 of
article 85 of the Constitution (copies of documents which prove that
he/she has submitted an application on resignation within three days)
and an application which contains the candidate’s obligations on
termination of his/her functions.

If a candidate who
is elected from the single list of candidates nominated by political
parties and blocks of political parties and who has received a mandate
does not perform the requirements considered by paragraph 1 of this
article, that candidate is removed from the single list of candidates,
and his/her mandate is given to another candidate from the same single
list of candidates.

If a candidate
elected from a single-mandate election district does not perform the
requirements of paragraph 1 of this article, the Central Election
Commission cancels results of this election district and conducts
repeated elections. If a candidate does not perform the requirements of
paragraph 1 of this article, without compelling reasons considered by
articles 48.16, and if due to these reasons repeated elections are
determined, that candidate must return all state funds allocated by the
relevant election commission due to repeated elections.

After final
results of elections are published and after a deputy is dismissed from
his/her employment which is not compatible with the status of deputy, or
after his/her functions are terminated, the Central Election Commission
registers him/her as a deputy and issues him/her a deputy card.

Article 78. Publication of
Election Returns and Voting Results

After commission
members approve information on election returns of electoral precincts
and voting results in the election district and the relevant protocols,
they are submitted to:

each voter;

each registered
candidate;

agents of
political parties and blocks of political parties;

observers;

authorised
representatives of political parties and blocks of political parties;

representatives of
mass media

upon the request made by
any of the above to become familiar with relevant documents. The relevant
election commission presents information mentioned above.

The Territorial
Election Commission and the Central Election Commission provide the mass
media with information on results of elections within a day after
election results of the relevant election commission are approved in
accordance with the article 75.4 of this law.

Within 45 days
after Election Day, the Territorial Election Commission organizes
official publication of information from the protocols #1 and #2 of all
Territorial and Precinct Election Commissions by the mass media
considered by article 52.3 of this law.

Within at most60 days after election day, the Central Election Commission
publishes official information on:

final results of
elections;

number of votes
cast for candidates and single lists of candidates;

number of votes
cast against all candidates and single lists of candidates.

Within this period the
Central Election Commission publishes by its official press complete information
on elected deputies and information from protocols #1 and #2 of the Territorial
Election Commissions.

Article 79. Use of State
Automated Information Systems during the Elections

During conduct of
elections the state automated information systems can be used completely
or some of its technical means to obtain, transfer and develop
information related to:

registering
voters;

preparing voters
lists;

determining voting
results and election returns.

Requirements and rules for
use of state automated systems are determined by the Central Election
Commission.

The relevant
election commission creates a specific group consisting of commission
members with decisive and consultative voting right to control use of
state automated systems or some of its technical means. This group
controls the following:

if state automated
systems are ready to be operated;

accuracy of
information from protocols of election commissions entered the
information systems;

accuracy of
information added to the protocol;

if instructions
and other documents of the Central Election Commission on use of state
information systems are followed;

completion of
documents about actions considered for usage of information systems in
accordance with time limits and plans of the relevant election
commission.

This controlling group can
invite specialists on automated information systems.

All members of the
election commissions and observers have the right to become familiar
with any information received by and extracted from the automated
information systems.

Election
commission members with decisive and consultative voting right included
in the controlling group have equal rights and they can:

become familiar
with any information received by the election commissions through
technical communication means;

demand explanation
on technical documentation of state information systems and on all
actions of the technical personnel of information systems;

compare
information prepared by technical equipment and by handwriting;

If any actions of
personnel of state information system or observer contradict the law, the
controlling group informs the chairperson of the election commission and
proposes motions to correct these irregularities or to fire the persons who made
this. Results of the investigations held by the controlling group information
service of the relevant election commissions should be recorded in the current
documents.

The relevant
election commission uses state information systems for observing
election processes and results, based on relevant information received
by superior election commissions from subordinate ones, from the time
voting commences including until protocols on elections returns and
voting results are approved. It is prohibited to send information from
the information service of superior election commission to the
information service of the subordinate election commission, except
signals confirming the receipt of information.

Information about
election processes and results, obtained from the state information
system is considered to be preliminary information which does not have
legal importance.

Information
printed from the computer and included in the state information systems
is attached to the protocol of the election commission which is
preserved by the secretary of the commission. Accuracy of information
printed from the computer is verified by the signatures of persons who
are responsible for transferring information and members of controlling
group.

Information on
turnout, initial and final results of voting and results of elections,
which are included in the state information systems, should be included
in the information-communication lines of common use for subscribers to
get prompt information in accordance with the rules defined by the
Central Election Commission.

Article 80. Security of
Election Documents

Documents of
Precinct Election Commissions and election commissions are kept in the
secure places. These documents are transferred to the Central Election
Commission before terms of office of the Territorial and Precinct
Election Commissions are finished.

Election documents
are preserved by the Central Election Commission for the period defined
by the legislation.

Ballot papers,
voting cards and voters lists are preserved for at least six months from
the date results of elections are officially published. Protocols on
voting results of election commissions are preserved at least a year
after a decision on determination of Election Day for the next elections
is officially published. Financial reports of election commissions,
final financial documents of registered candidates, political parties
and blocks of political parties with a registered single lists of
candidates are reserved at least a year after a decision on
determination of election day for the next elections is officially
published.

The following
documents are official documents:

ballot papers;

voting cards;

voters lists;

protocols of
election commissions on voting results and attachments;

financial reports
of election commissions;

final financial
documents of registered candidates, political parties and blocks of
political parties with registered single list of candidates.

Chairpersons and
secretaries of election commissions are responsible for security and
preservation of election documents until these documents are transferred to
superior election commission or archive.

Article 81. Distribution
of Vacant Deputy Mandates for Single Multi-Mandate Election District and Conduct
of Additional Elections

If a deputy
elected from the single list of candidates nominated by political
parties and blocks of political parties is removed, the Central Election
Commission submits the deputy mandate to another candidate from the same
list in accordance with the rules defined by article 73.6 of this law.

In case of
circumstances considered by article 89.2.2 of the Constitution, chairman
of Milli Majlis makes a decision on termination of powers of the
deputies elected from the single list of political parties and blocks of
political parties not later than two days after the relevant request is
received. In case of breaks between the sessions the chairperson makes a
decision within two days after meetings commence. Powers of deputy are
terminated from the date of receipt of his/her application on
termination of his/her powers, in accordance with the article 89.2.5 of
the Constitution. In case of circumstances mentioned in the article
89.2.1 of the Constitution, the deputy is considered to lose his/her
mandate from the date the Central Election Commission makes a decision
on this. In the circumstances mentioned in paragraphs 3 and 6 of the
same article deputies elected from the single list of deputies lose
their mandates from the date a relevant court makes a decision on this.

If a candidate
violates the rules defined by article 85.2 of the Constitution, the
Central Election Commission makes a decision on facts within 30 days
from the date the relevant information is received. If requirements of
the abovementioned articles of the Constitution are violated, the deputy
loses his/her mandate from the date the decision is made.

If functions of a
registered political party are terminated in accordance with basis and
rules of the Constitution or the legislation of the Azerbaijan Republic;
and if deputies who are included in the single list of candidates of
that political party (block of political parties) and have received
mandates, lose mandates for this reason, due to the reasons mentioned in
article 89 of the Constitution, so that twenty or more mandates remain
vacant, additional elections should be conducted for a multi-mandate
election district during the period mentioned in article 5 of this law.

If a deputy is
removed from the single list of candidates, and there are not more
candidates on the list who have not got a mandate, deputy mandates will
be vacant up to the next main elections to the Milli Majlis.

In case of
circumstances considered by article 89.2.2 of the Constitution, the
chairman of the Milli Majlis makes a decision on termination of powers
of the deputy elected from a single mandate election district in
accordance with article 81.2 of this law, not later than two days after
the relevant request is received. In case of breaks between the
sessions, or during the sessions, the chairperson makes a decision
within two days after meetings commence. Powers of deputy elected from
the single mandate election district are terminated from the date of
receipt of his/her application on termination of his/her powers, in
accordance with the article 89.2.5 of the Constitution. In case of
circumstances mentioned in the article 89.2.1 of the Constitution, the
deputy is considered to lose his/her mandate from the date the Central
Election Commission makes a decision on this. In the circumstances
mentioned in paragraphs 3 and 6 of the same article deputies elected
from the single list of deputies lose their mandates from the date a
relevant court makes a decision on this.

If a deputy
elected from a single mandate election district violates requirements of
article 85.2 of the Constitution, the Central Election Commission must
make a decision on this information within 30 days from the date
relevant information has been received. If violation of the requirements
of the aforementioned article in the Constitution is found and approved,
the deputy loses his/her mandate from the date the decision is made.

The Central
Election Commission conducts additional elections for the relevant
single mandate election district within the period defined by the
article 5 of this law, a month after a mandate has become vacant.

If additional
election for the single mandate election district has been considered
invalid in accordance with the article 74.2 of this law, the next
additional elections should be conducted not later than a year after the
last additional election was conducted.

A deputy cannot be
a candidate during additional elections conducted for filling vacant
deputy mandates.

Nomination of
candidates for a single-mandate election district, their registration
and other election actions for the additional elections are implemented
in accordance with rules determined by this law.

CHAPTER XII.
COMPLAINTS ON AND
ACCOUNTABILITY FOR VIOLATION OF CTIZEN’S RIGHTS TO VOTE

Article 83. Filing
Complaints on Actions (Lack of Actions) that Violate Citizens’ Rights to Vote
and On Decisions

Voters,
candidates, registered candidates, political parties and block of
political parties, agents of registered candidates, political parties
and blocks of political parties, observers, as well as election
commissions can file a complaint on decisions and actions (lack of
actions) that violate citizens right to vote within seven days after
that decision is published or submitted, or that action (omission) took
place. If the violation mentioned in the complaint covers majority of
citizens or if it is of great importance, the Central Election
Commission can apply to the Supreme Court.

A complaint may be
filed about decision and actions (lack of actions) of state bodies,
municipalities, political parties and officials that violate citizens’
rights to vote, or about decision and actions (lack of actions) of
election commission and their officials with a court.

A complaint about
decisions and actions of the Central Election Commission and its
officials should be filed with the Supreme Court, and a complaint about
decision and actions (lack of actions) of the Territorial and Precinct
Election Commissions should be filed with district (city) courts.

In the
circumstances considered by this law and other laws, the court may
cancel decisions of the relevant election commissions (including results
of voting, election results).

If decisions of
the election commissions are canceled by the court, the very election
commission should make a new decision regarding the same issue, or
superior election commission must make a decision based on the decision
of the court. If such a decision is not made within five days after
court’s decision comes into force, the court can make a decision on this
issue.

Conducting
investigations on decisions about voting results, election results as
well as on facts that violate this law does not mean that immunity of a
candidate, elected in accordance with this law, has been violated. A
candidate who is considered to be elected cannot refuse to testify as a
witness during administrative, civil and criminal investigations
regarding the complaints about violations of the right to vote that
occurred when citizens elected him/her. It is not required to obtain
permission of the newly elected Milli Majlis before it commences its
work, for investigating decisions of election commissions on voting
results and election results, for initial investigations and termination
of immunity of candidates.

A complaint can be
filed about election commissions’ decisions and actions (lack of
actions) which violate citizens’ rights to vote with superior election
commissions.

The election
commission has the right to receive citizens’ and officials’
information, to demand necessary documents and materials while
investigating the following issues:

on canceling
single list of candidates and registered candidates;

on refusal of
registration of candidate and single list of candidates;

on considering
election of single list of candidates to be invalid;

on court
procedures related to applications for invalidation of decisions
proclaiming registered candidates or candidates from the single list of
party as elected.

The superior
election commission has the right to cancel decision of subordinate
election commission or to make a decision regarding the complaint or to
give instructions on reinvestigating the issue.

It is necessary to
appeal to the superior election commission before applying to the court.

If the court has
received a complaint and if the same person has filed the similar
complaint with the election commission, the latter stops investigations
until decision of the court comes info force. The court should inform
the election commission about the complaint received and about
efficiency of court’s decision.

A decision on
complaints received by the election commissions is made within five
days, and on Election Day and a day after the Election Day –
immediately.

If matters mentioned in
the complaint need additional investigation, then a decision on those complaints
is made not later than 10 days. The court is to make a decision at least within
10 days after receipt of complaint on decision of election commission on voting
results or election results.

Article 84. Cancel of
Registration of Single List of Candidates and Registered Candidates, Refusal of
Registration of Single List of Candidates and Candidates

If a candidate,
registered candidate, political parties or blocks of political parties
violate requirements of this law, the relevant election commission warns
them with informing the voters through the mass media. The election
commission has the right to make a decision about the following issues
irrespective of whether or not, the commission provided a warning about:

refusal of
registration of candidates, single list of candidates;

cancel of
registration of candidates, registered single list of candidates;

considering
election of registered single list of candidates and candidates to be
invalid;

canceling of
decision on voting results and election results.

The election
commission can refuse to register single list of candidates and
candidates under the following circumstances:

if information
submitted by candidates, political parties and blocks of political
parties in accordance with this law is not accurate and if invalid
information is of great importance;

if a candidate
not registered yet by the Territorial Election Commission or a
single list of candidates nominated by political parties and blocks
of political parties not registered yet by the Central Election
Commission conducts election campaigning before the period
considered by the article 50.1 of this law;

if candidates,
political parties and block of political parties execute actions
prohibited by article 57.2 of this law;

if
organizations participate in collecting voters signatures; if the
voters have been forced to sign during collecting signatures; if the
voters have been rewarded for their signatures in support of the
candidate;

if a candidate
nominated for a single mandate election district spends amount that
exceeds by 0.05% the limit determined by this law of his/her
election funds to finance his/her election campaign;

if a political
party and blocks of political parties spends amount that exceeds by
0.05% the limit determined by this law of their election funds to
finance their election campaign;

if a candidate
nominated for a single-mandate election district spends amount that
exceeds by 0.05% the limit determined by this law of his/her
election fund;

if political
parties and blocks of political parties spend amount that exceeds by
0.05% the limit determined by this law of their election fund;

if a
candidate, political parties and blocks of political parties, as
well as a political party which is included in the block of
political party, authorised representatives of political parties and
block of political parties are owners, founders of the relevant
organizations; or if they are members of management of an
organization, if they are engaged with charitable activities during
the election campaigning, if they render financial assistance to
physical or legal entities or they serve voters, if they help
physical and legal entities to render such assistance, or of persons
mentioned above render such assistance on behalf of them;

if a
candidate, political parties and blocks of political parties do not
submit initial financial report;

if authorised
representatives of a candidate, political parties and blocks of
political parties use their positions during election campaigning;

in case of
other circumstances considered by this law.

Registration of a
candidate a single list of candidates can be canceled one day prior to
election day by the election commission or court in the following
circumstances:

if
circumstances mentioned by paragraph 2 of this article are found
after a candidate, or a single list of candidates have been
registered;

if registered
candidates, political parties, blocks of political parties, agents
of candidates, authorised representatives or agents of political
parties and blocks of political parties conduct election campaign in
military units, military organizations and military offices;

if registered
candidates, political parties, blocks of political parties, or their
agents produce and distribute printed, audiovisual election campaign
materials violating article 56.3-4 of this law.

if
organizations, managers of which are registered candidates,
political parties, block of political parties, agents of registered
candidates, political parties and block of political parties,
conduct charitable activities; if they offered other organizations
to render financial assistance to physical and legal entities; if
they promised physical and legal entities to render such assistance;

if a
registered candidate, authorised representatives of political
parties and blocks of political parties use their positions during
election campaigning;

if a
registered candidate, political parties and blocks of political
parties do not submit their financial reports within the defined
period;

if a
registered candidate who occupies a position in state or municipal
bodies does not stop his/her functions during his/her participation
in elections;

if registered
candidates, political parties and blocks of political parties with a
registered list of candidates, as well as a political party which is
included in the block of political parties, their authorised
representatives, agents of registered candidates, political parties,
blocks of political parties or other persons on their requests act
as prohibited by article 57.2 of this law;

if a candidate
registered for a single-mandate election district spends money to
finance his/her election campaign more than limit (0.05%, as defined
by this law);

if political
parties and blocks of political parties spend money to finance their
election campaign more than the limit (0.05% as defined by this
law);

if a candidate
registered for a single-mandate election district spends more than
the limit from his/her election funds (0.05% as defined by this
law);

if political
parties and blocks of political parties with a registered single
list of candidates spend money form their election funds more than
the limit (0.05% as defined by this law);

if registered
candidates, political parties and blocks of political parties with a
registered single list of candidates use illegal donations
transferred to their election funds.

The Central
Election Commission can cancel registration of a single list of
candidates if rules considered by article 48.11 of this law are
violated.

If candidates,
registered candidates, political parties and blocks of political parties
abuse the mass media, the election commission can cancel their
registration or apply to the court on this matter. In such cases,
executive authorities, physical and legal entities can apply to the
court as well. If the court discovers abuse of mass media, it cancels
registration of the single list of candidates.

The Central
Election Commission can apply to the Supreme Court to consider election
of candidate and single list of candidate invalid, after the election
returns are published officially, if it finds out violations considered
by article 84 of this law made by registered candidates, political
parties, and blocks of political parties.

If the court
defines irregularities mentioned in article 84 of this law, and if it
considers that it is impossible to determine the voters’ intention due
to those irregularities, it cancels the decision on election results of
the relevant election commission. The deputy (deputies) loses his/her
powers in such cases.

The relevant court
can cancel the decision of election commission on voting results and on
election returns for a single-mandate or single multi-mandate election
district if the following irregularities occur:

preparation of
voters list in an election district is violated;

formation of
election commissions, for voting, for vote count and determination of
election results are violated;

other
irregularities considered by this law; if due to these actions (lack of
actions) and it is not possible to determine the voters’ intention.

The relevant court
and the Central Election Commission can cancel the decisions of
Territorial and Precinct Election Commissions on voting results and
election returns in the cases considered by this law.

If results of
elections are invalid in more than ¼ of precincts, elections can be
considered invalid in the relevant single-mandate election districts. If
results of elections are invalid in more than ¼ of election district,
elections for a single multi-mandate election district can be considered
invalid.

Irregularities
occurred during the assistance to elect candidates and single lists of
candidates who are not elected cannot be the basis for canceling a
decision on election results.

Article 86. Accountability
for Violation of Citizens’ Rights to Vote

The following
persons are accountable to criminal, administrative and other
responsibilities in accordance with this law:

Those who have
obstructed the voters’ rights to vote and to be elected by use of
force, deceit, threats or other methods;

who have
abused their positions to be elected;

who have
forced citizens to sign in support of candidates; who obstructed
collecting signatures in support of candidates, political parties,
and blocks of political parties;

who have
committed actions prohibited by article 57.2 of this law;

who have not
officially finalized information about registered candidates or who
have done so inaccurately;

who have
intentionally distributed misinformation about registered
candidates, or they have impugned the honour and dignity of the
candidates;

who have
violated rights of commission members, observers, agents,
candidates, authorised representatives of political parties, blocks
of political parties, representatives of mass media; by violating
their rights to obtain copies of election documents; or to obtain
information and to verify copies of election documents;

who have
violated rules of election campaigning, as well as those who have
conducted election campaigning a day prior to election day or on
election day;

who have
produced and distributed commercial and other advertisements which
violate this law, or those who have rendered charitable assistance;

who have
violated rules for finance defined by this law for election
campaigning;

who have
hidden ballot papers remaining, or those who have produced ballot
papers which are not registered by the election commission and
additional voting cards;

who have
obstructed the election commission’s work, or those who have
interfered with functions of members of the election commission;

who have
obstructed voting in the voting station;

who have
violated the secrecy of voting;

who have
controlled voters choice;

who have
falsified election documents, produced and presented fake documents,
miscounted votes (including ballot stuffing), defined results of
elections inaccurately, have not submitted information on voting
results in time or those who have not published them;

who have
violated citizens’ rights to become familiar with voters lists;

who have
issued ballot papers to the persons with a purpose to vote for
others, who have issued already marked ballot papers, or those who
have created conditions to get more than one ballot paper;

who have not
submitted reports on the expenditure of funds allocated for
preparation and conduct of elections, and those who have not
submitted financial reports of registered candidates, political
parties and blocks of political parties and who have not published
them;

who have not
provided persons with leave in respect to participation in the
elections according to this law, or employers who have not released
persons to implement their state positions;

state
officials who have not investigated information on violation of this
law provided by the election commissions;

The Central
Election Commission, Territorial and Precinct Election Commissions have
the right to prepare a protocol on administrative irregularities based
on the Code of the Azerbaijan Republic On Administrative Irregularities,
for the irregularities done by candidates, registered candidates,
authorised representatives of political parties, and blocks of political
parties.

CHAPTER XIII.
FINAL AND TRANSITIONAL
PROVISIONS

Article 87. Date of Effect
of this Law

This law takes
effect from the day it is published.

The law "On
Elections to Milli Majlis of the Azerbaijan Republic", adopted on August
15, 1995, is considered to lose its force.

If a municipality
does not have a chief, or a person has not been appointed yet who is
authorised to perform election actions considered by this law, election
actions should be performed by the relevant executive authorities or
other persons appointed by them. The Supreme Court of the Azerbaijan
Republic implements the powers mentioned in this law, until the Court of
Appeal is formed and until the Civil Procedural Code of the Azerbaijan
Republic adopted on December 28, 1999 has come into full force.